During his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike McCarthy shared his desire to have quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center in 2026.
McCarthy first shared what it means to return home and coach the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shortly after, however, he was asked if he wanted Rodgers back. His answer was simple: “Definitely, I don’t see why you wouldn’t.”
The 17th head coach in franchise history said he has spoken with Rodgers and understands the position Rodgers is in.
“I think, just like anything, knowing Aaron long enough, going through seasons, when guys are up at that stage of their careers, they need to step away and decompress. I think that’s very important,” McCarthy said. “The game is so emotional with what these men commit to and what they put into it. I think that time away is important. I have spoken to Aaron, so that’s really where we are. I was able to sit back and watch most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team.”
In his 21st season, Rodgers completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions. He threw for 207.6 yards per game and rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown.
While understanding Rodgers’ position, the Steelers will eventually need to know if he is returning. However, McCarthy said they have not discussed a “timeline” for when they would need an answer from Rodgers.
Mike McCarthy’s Time With Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay
GettyMike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers spent 11 years together with the Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers spent the first 18 years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy was Rodgers’ head coach for 11 of them. The pair won a Super Bowl together in 2010 when they defeated Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25.
During their 11 years together, Rodgers made a name for himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. He led the league with 40 passing touchdowns in 2016 and produced the best touchdown percentage in back-to-back seasons in 2011 and 2012.
The Packers only had three losing seasons during that time as well. During Rodgers’ first year, the Packers went 6-10. McCarthy went 11-16 during his final two years. He was fired after Week 13 in 2018.
Still, the pair accomplished a lot during their time in Green Bay and could be in a position to run it back in 2026.
McCarthy’s Ability to Develop QBs Intrigued Omar Khan
Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the Steelers have been searching for their next franchise quarterback.
When searching for their next head coach, general manager Omar Khan said a coach’s ability to develop a quarterback was just one thing that they were looking for.
“With everybody that we talked to, the conversation of developing the next young quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers was part of it,” Khan said during the press conference. “I think Mike’s resume speaks for itself, who he’s been around. But, we’re excited about working with Will (Howard) and, yeah, that was a part of it.”
During his coaching career, McCarthy has most notably worked with Brett Favre, Dak Prescott, Joe Montana, and others. So, he’s had success working with well-known quarterbacks throughout his career. The Steelers are hoping that impact continues.
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