Mike McCarthy Thought He Was Too Old to Land Steelers Job

The new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach admits he didn't think he'd get the job due to his age.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 4:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mike McCarthy, the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, revealed that he didn't think he would land the job due to his age. At 62 years old, McCarthy thought his chance to coach his hometown team had passed him by. However, when the Steelers job surprisingly opened up, McCarthy focused all his efforts on securing the position, ultimately getting hired as the team's new head coach.

Why it matters

McCarthy's hiring represents a shift in the Steelers' coaching philosophy, as the team's previous three coaches were all young defensive coordinators. The 62-year-old McCarthy brings a wealth of head coaching experience, having previously led the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, which could provide a different perspective and approach for the storied franchise.

The details

After his contract was not renewed by the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the 2024 season, McCarthy took 2025 off. He interviewed for two other positions this offseason, but when the Steelers job surprisingly opened up, he focused all his efforts on securing that role. Despite thinking his chance to coach the Steelers had passed him by due to his age, McCarthy ultimately landed the job, replacing the retiring Mike Tomlin.

  • Mike McCarthy's contract with the Dallas Cowboys was not renewed at the end of the 2024 season.
  • McCarthy took the 2025 season off after leaving the Cowboys.
  • McCarthy interviewed for two other positions this offseason before the Steelers job opened up.
  • Mike Tomlin retired, leading to the Steelers head coaching job becoming available.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The 62-year-old new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.

Mike Tomlin

The retiring head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had held the position since 2007.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just wanted to look at every opportunity and would have been very content staying right where I was. To grow up here in Pittsburgh and think you're going to be the head coach of the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys — I didn't dream of that. But now, this opportunity, just seemed like it was something that I was had to do or was meant to be.”

— Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach

“I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that Mike Tomlin would retire. This was an opportunity, based on history, that I thought was well past me. So when it did become available and the conversations that led up the interview, I just felt that this was something that was meant to be.”

— Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach

“I'm just gonna go with the dog years mindset and maybe go with some kind of anti-aging supplementation. I'm loving it and trust me, I've got more than enough energy to go as long as the good lord wants me to.”

— Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach

What’s next

McCarthy will look to build on the Steelers' strong tradition as he takes over the head coaching duties, with his first season at the helm set to kick off in September 2026.

The takeaway

Mike McCarthy's hiring as the new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach represents a shift in the team's coaching philosophy, as the 62-year-old brings a wealth of head coaching experience that could provide a different perspective for the storied franchise. Despite initially thinking his chance to coach the Steelers had passed him by, McCarthy ultimately landed the job, demonstrating his perseverance and belief that this opportunity was 'meant to be.'