Steelers RB Jaylen Warren on Mike Tomlin's Departure and Mike McCarthy's Arrival

The running back reflects on the coaching changes in Pittsburgh and the team's future with a new leader.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:57am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action on the field.The Steelers' coaching transition represents a new era of strategy and leadership, with players like Jaylen Warren navigating the changes.Today in Pittsburgh

Jaylen Warren, a rising star running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, offers his perspective on the departure of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin and the arrival of new coach Mike McCarthy. Warren acknowledges the personal impact Tomlin had on his career as an undrafted free agent, while also expressing optimism about McCarthy's energy and enthusiasm. The story also touches on the potential return of legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh and the Steelers' need to improve their rushing attack.

Why it matters

Coaching changes in the NFL are always significant events, as they can have a major impact on a team's direction and performance. The Steelers' transition from Tomlin to McCarthy is particularly noteworthy, as Tomlin had been a fixture in Pittsburgh for nearly two decades. Warren's insights provide a unique player's perspective on the shift in leadership and the team's future.

The details

Jaylen Warren, a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He credits former head coach Mike Tomlin's faith in him as instrumental to his development and success with the team. However, Tomlin has now stepped down after 19 years as the Steelers' head coach, leaving the organization in the hands of new leader Mike McCarthy. Warren has expressed positive initial impressions of McCarthy, highlighting the coach's energy and enthusiasm. The Steelers' running game struggled last season, finishing 26th in the league in rushing yards, and the team has signed running back Rico Dowdle in an effort to bolster their ground attack. Additionally, the potential return of legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh, reuniting him with McCarthy, has fans excited about the team's Super Bowl prospects.

  • Mike Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach in April 2026.
  • Mike McCarthy was hired as the new Steelers head coach in April 2026.

The players

Jaylen Warren

A rising star running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and credits former head coach Mike Tomlin for his development and success with the team.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who stepped down in April 2026 after an impressive 19-year tenure with the team.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired in April 2026 to replace the departing Mike Tomlin.

Aaron Rodgers

The legendary quarterback who has a history with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, and whose potential return to Pittsburgh has fans excited about the team's Super Bowl prospects.

Rico Dowdle

A running back signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in an effort to bolster their struggling ground attack, which finished 26th in the league in rushing yards last season.

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What they’re saying

“Coach Tomlin's faith in me was instrumental in my development and success with the team. I'm grateful for the personal connection he was able to forge with his players.”

— Jaylen Warren, Steelers Running Back

“Coach McCarthy's energy and enthusiasm are really exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing how he can help us improve and reach our full potential as a team.”

— Jaylen Warren, Steelers Running Back

What’s next

The Steelers will need to address their quarterback situation, with the potential return of Aaron Rodgers to Pittsburgh being a major storyline. The team will also focus on improving their rushing attack, which struggled last season, through the addition of players like Rico Dowdle.

The takeaway

Coaching changes in the NFL can have a significant impact on a team's direction and performance. The Steelers' transition from the long-tenured Mike Tomlin to the new Mike McCarthy regime represents a new era for the franchise, and Jaylen Warren's perspective provides valuable insight into the personal connections between players and coaches that are often overlooked in the world of professional sports.