Steelers Legend LeBeau Backs Hometown Hire of McCarthy

Longtime Steelers defensive coordinator surprised by Tomlin's departure but optimistic about new era under Pittsburgh native McCarthy.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:26pm

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Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau expressed surprise at Mike Tomlin's decision to step down as head coach, but said he is encouraged by the team's hiring of Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, as the new head coach. LeBeau praised McCarthy's deep ties to the city and believes he will give the team his full effort to help the Steelers, who he says are close to contending again.

Why it matters

The Steelers' head coaching change marks a significant transition for the storied franchise, moving on from the highly successful Tomlin era to the hometown McCarthy era. LeBeau's perspective as a legendary Steelers figure provides insight into how the organization and its loyal fanbase may be processing this change.

The details

LeBeau, who served as the Steelers' defensive coordinator for many years, said he was surprised Tomlin decided to leave the team after leading them to a 193-114-2 regular season record. However, LeBeau expressed optimism about the hiring of McCarthy, who has a 174-112-2 regular season record and a Super Bowl title of his own from his time with the Green Bay Packers. LeBeau noted that McCarthy being a Pittsburgh native and lifelong Steelers fan will give him extra motivation to succeed with the team.

  • Mike Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach during the 2026 offseason.

The players

Dick LeBeau

A legendary former defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers who played a key role in the team's success over many years.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who led the team to a 193-114-2 regular season record during his tenure.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is a Pittsburgh native and has a 174-112-2 regular season record as a head coach, including a Super Bowl title with the Green Bay Packers.

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What they’re saying

“I was surprised that Mike didn't come back because the team rallied there at the end of the year really and won some really key games. And I thought, well we're going to get another year to get this thing going the way we knew it could be.”

— Dick LeBeau, Legendary Steelers Defensive Coordinator

“But what I liked about the hire, he's a Pittsburgh guy, born and raised there. I know in his heart, his lifetime ambition has been to coach or play for the team you grow up in. So I know this, he's going to give it everything he's got to help make this football team, I mean they're close.”

— Dick LeBeau, Legendary Steelers Defensive Coordinator

What’s next

The Steelers will look to build on their late-season momentum under new head coach Mike McCarthy, who will aim to lead the team back to the playoffs and potentially a Super Bowl championship.

The takeaway

The Steelers' coaching change represents a significant transition for the franchise, but the endorsement from legendary figure Dick LeBeau suggests the organization and its fans may be optimistic about the potential of hometown hero Mike McCarthy to continue the team's winning tradition.