The Pittsburgh Steelers have reached a verbal agreement to hire Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy as their next head coach, replacing Mike Tomlin. McCarthy, who grew up in the Greenfield neighborhood, is expected to sign a five-year deal. He brings 18 years of head coaching experience, including 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and five with the Dallas Cowboys.
Rooney Highlights McCarthy’s Experience, Track Record, And Quarterback Development In Steelers Hiring Decision
Steelers president Art Rooney II offered insight into the decision-making process, emphasizing that while McCarthy’s Pittsburgh roots were a factor, the choice was ultimately based on his qualifications. “He is someone who has a longer track record than many of the other candidates, a winning track record,” Rooney said. “He’s been a winner everywhere he’s been. Probably just as important, the quarterbacks he’s worked with have all been very successful. So he has a proven track record of developing top-flight quarterbacks.”
Art Rooney II (NFL)Rooney clarified that the future of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who won a Super Bowl under McCarthy in Green Bay, did not influence the hiring decision. Rodgers, 42, has not yet confirmed whether he will return for another season, leaving the team’s quarterback plans uncertain.
McCarthy is already familiar with Pittsburgh’s current roster and reportedly sees potential in young quarterback Will Howard, whom the Steelers drafted from Ohio State last year in the sixth round. “He likes Will Howard, thinks Will has tremendous upside, and is looking forward to working with him,” Rooney said. McCarthy also sees value in Mason Rudolph and is prepared to evaluate Rodgers’ future if he chooses to return.
McCarthy Returns Home To Lead the Steelers, Focusing On Winning And Quarterback Development
The hiring process involved interviewing multiple candidates and discussing their vision for improving the team’s roster. Rooney acknowledged that some Steelers fans initially reacted negatively to McCarthy’s hiring but stressed that fan opinion on social media was not a factor.
“We’re really not worried about winning the initial press conference. It’s about picking the coach we believe will help us win games,” Rooney said. “We think we have a coach who is well-equipped to lead us into the next winning phase of Steelers football, and that’s what it’s all about. I think they’re going to love Coach Mike.”
McCarthy’s appointment marks a homecoming for the Pittsburgh native and brings a veteran coach with a Super Bowl pedigree to a team aiming for its next era of success. His track record with quarterbacks and winning teams positions him to guide the Steelers through the next phase of their rebuilding and championship pursuit.
