Steelers Expect Another 10-7 Season in Year 1 Under Mike McCarthy

Bleacher Report projects the Steelers will continue their streak of non-losing seasons under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp planes of navy blue, gold, and steel grey representing the Steelers' team colors and the fractured nature of their search for a long-term quarterback solution.A cubist interpretation of the Steelers' quest to remain a consistent winner under new head coach Mike McCarthy.Today in Pittsburgh

According to Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to have another 10-7 season in 2026, Mike McCarthy's first year as head coach. The Steelers have not had a losing season in over two decades, and Davenport believes that streak will continue despite the uncertainty at quarterback with Aaron Rodgers' future still undecided.

Why it matters

The Steelers have been a consistent playoff contender for years, but have struggled to get over the hump and become a legitimate Super Bowl contender. With the quarterback position still in flux, expectations are that the team will maintain its winning ways but may not be able to take the next step without a true franchise QB.

The details

Davenport cites the Steelers' roster moves, including trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman and signing running back Rico Dowdle, safety Jaquan Brisker, and cornerback Jamel Dean, as reasons for optimism. However, he also notes that the Steelers "don't have a quarterback that makes them a legitimate Super Bowl contender" and that "there's no clear path to that guy in the short-term."

  • The Steelers won 10 games to become the AFC North champions in 2025.
  • The Steelers have not had a losing season in over 22 years.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired in January 2026 after a successful tenure with the Green Bay Packers.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who spent 13 years playing for Mike McCarthy with the Packers, and is now a free agent considering a return to the Steelers.

Gary Davenport

A writer for Bleacher Report who outlined realistic expectations for first-year NFL head coaches, including Mike McCarthy and the Steelers.

Omar Khan

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who has been in contact with Aaron Rodgers about a potential return to the team.

Michael Pittman

A wide receiver acquired by the Steelers via trade, bolstering their offensive weapons.

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What they’re saying

“McCarthy inherits a team that won 10 games to become the AFC North champions in 2025. They haven't had a losing season in over two decades. The Steelers are the model of stability.”

— Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report Writer

“There's conversations to be had down the line, but right now, there has not been any progressive conversations.”

— Aaron Rodgers

“I'd be lying if I didn't say that was something that I enjoyed seeing. All those guys getting back together. It's some of the guys that had the greatest impact on my career.”

— Aaron Rodgers

What’s next

The Steelers will continue to wait on a decision from Aaron Rodgers about his future, with no deadline or contract offer currently on the table.

The takeaway

While the Steelers are expected to maintain their winning ways under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the team's long-term success will hinge on finding a true franchise quarterback to take them to the next level as a Super Bowl contender.