James Harrison Defends Steelers, Says Situation 'Not All Bad' for Mike McCarthy

Former Steelers linebacker disputes notion that new coach is set up to fail in Pittsburgh

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting overlapping planes of football players, coaches, and equipment, conceptually representing the Steelers' efforts to construct a complete team beyond just the quarterback position.A cubist interpretation of the Steelers' roster and coaching transition captures the team's effort to build a well-rounded contender under new leadership.Today in Pittsburgh

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison has fired back at criticism of the team's situation for new head coach Mike McCarthy, saying he 'wouldn't go that far' in calling it 'all bad.' Harrison, speaking on the 'Deebo & Joe' podcast, believes the Steelers are more than just their quarterback and that McCarthy has a chance to build a winning team in Pittsburgh.

Why it matters

The Steelers have not won a playoff game in nine seasons, leading some pundits to question whether McCarthy is walking into a difficult situation. However, Harrison's defense of the team's roster and Tomlin's long-term success suggests there may be more optimism around the franchise than outsiders perceive.

The details

In the podcast, Harrison disputed the notion that McCarthy is set up to fail, saying 'I don't think it's being set up to fail.' He pointed to Tomlin's long run of success, noting the team has to be at least .500 or better. Harrison's co-host, former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden, also believes the team is more than just its quarterback, highlighting the potential of the offensive line, running backs, receivers, defense and corners.

  • The Steelers own the No. 21 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in the shadow of Acrisure Stadium.

The players

James Harrison

A former outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is now co-hosting a podcast and defending the team's situation for new head coach Mike McCarthy.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired to turn the team around after they have not won a playoff game in nine seasons.

Mike Tomlin

The longtime head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who went 19 years without a losing season before the team's recent struggles.

Joe Haden

A former cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is now co-hosting a podcast with James Harrison and discussing the team's outlook under new coach Mike McCarthy.

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What they’re saying

“'I don't think it's being set up to fail. I wouldn't go that far. 100%, Mike McCarthy is a win-now hire. That's why the Steelers keep saying, 'We're not rebuilding.' When you look at it, Mike Tomlin went, what, 19 years without having a losing season? … Right now, he has to do .500 or better. But they're saying it as if, 'It's Super Bowl right now, or it's bust!'”

— James Harrison, Former Steelers Linebacker

“'I'm looking at Mike McCarthy building a good team. As many good players — quarterback is always gonna be thing that everybody sits and talks about — but what about our line? What about our running backs? What about our receivers? What about our defense? What about our corners? How good is the execution gonna be as a full team. … We don't have to be terrible. Will Howard doesn't have to be a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Steelers to win 9-10 games.'”

— Joe Haden, Former Steelers Cornerback

What’s next

The Steelers will look to bolster their roster further in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they own the No. 21 overall pick and 12 total selections.

The takeaway

Despite the Steelers' recent struggles, Harrison and Haden believe the team has the potential to be competitive under new coach Mike McCarthy, with a strong supporting cast beyond just the quarterback position. The upcoming draft will be an important step in McCarthy's efforts to quickly turn the team around.