Mike McCarthy Denies Steelers 'In A Rut', Bringing 'Winning Process To Pittsburgh'

The new Steelers head coach believes he can turn around the team's fortunes after years of playoff disappointment.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his first season as the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach, Mike McCarthy is confident he can bring a winning culture back to the team. Despite the Steelers' lack of playoff success since 2016, McCarthy denies the team is in a 'rut' and believes he has the right 'winning process' to lead them to victory.

Why it matters

The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016 or the Super Bowl since 2010, marking their longest drought in the Super Bowl era. As a new head coach, McCarthy faces the challenge of reviving the team's championship aspirations and restoring the Steelers' winning tradition.

The details

McCarthy, who previously won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010 by defeating the Steelers, believes the team has a lot of potential despite their recent struggles. He sees the Steelers' 10-7 record and division title last season as signs of progress, and is confident he can build on that foundation with a new coaching staff and system.

  • The Steelers finished last season 10-7, winning four of their final five games after falling to 6-6.
  • The Steelers needed a Week 18 victory to secure a postseason berth and win the division.
  • A day after the Steelers' playoff loss, Mike Tomlin resigned as head coach, and the team eventually hired Mike McCarthy.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 2010 by defeating the Steelers.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who resigned a day after the team's playoff loss last season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wouldn't say the team's in a rut. The team won the division last year, was a playoff football team. I viewed the team that way as a fan last year.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“I really liked the vibe of the team coming down the stretch. I thought they were coming together.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“You have change; now you turn the page. New coaching staff, going to be a new system of operations. It's important for us to connect. Winning's a huge part of the Pittsburgh Steelers culture. I'm bringing a winning process to Pittsburgh, and we plan on winning.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

The Steelers will need to determine their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, with speculation that Aaron Rodgers could join the team for one more year.

The takeaway

Mike McCarthy's arrival as the new Steelers head coach brings hope that he can revive the team's championship aspirations and end their longest playoff drought in the Super Bowl era. However, the team's success will ultimately depend on their ability to find a quality starting quarterback and execute McCarthy's 'winning process' on the field.