Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Keeps Mum on Aaron Rodgers' Future

Pittsburgh's new coach says he's comfortable with the drawn-out process as Rodgers weighs his options.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the strategic complexity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes chess match between veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers' new coaching staff.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy remained vague on the future of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is currently a free agent. McCarthy, who previously coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers, says he's had positive weekly conversations with the quarterback as Rodgers decides whether to return to the Steelers for the 2026 NFL season.

Why it matters

The Steelers are in a holding pattern as they await Rodgers' decision, which will have major implications for the team's offense and playoff aspirations next season. McCarthy's long history with Rodgers could give Pittsburgh an advantage, but the uncertainty surrounding the future Hall of Famer's plans creates challenges for the franchise as it looks to build a contending roster.

The details

McCarthy took over as Steelers head coach after Mike Tomlin retired, inheriting a team that went 10-7 and won the AFC North in 2025 but lost in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Rodgers, who is now a free agent, is evaluating his options for the 2026 season after a decent campaign in 2025 where he went 10-6 as a starter, throwing for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.

  • On March 30, 2026, McCarthy appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and discussed his conversations with Rodgers.
  • The 2026 NFL season is set to begin in September 2026.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously coached Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who is currently a free agent, weighing his options for the 2026 NFL season after a 10-6 campaign with the Steelers in 2025.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who retired after the 2025 season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've talked to Aaron regularly and will continue to do so and we're just working through it. When it's time to fully address it we will, but it's a process that he's going through and I'm comfortable with it. We've had very, very positive conversations on a weekly basis.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

The Steelers and Aaron Rodgers will continue their discussions in the coming months, with a decision expected before the start of the 2026 NFL season in September.

The takeaway

Mike McCarthy's familiarity with Aaron Rodgers could give the Steelers an advantage in re-signing the veteran quarterback, but the drawn-out process creates uncertainty for the team as it looks to build a contending roster for the 2026 season.