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By Justin Grasso
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly agreed to terms on a deal to make Mike McCarthy the team’s next head coach. He replaces Mike Tomlin after two decades of service.
Now, onto the next major question in Pittsburgh: Who is the quarterback?
Over the past two seasons, the Steelers attempted to roll with one-year rentals. Russell Wilson didn’t pan out after battling injuries and ultimately underwhelming two seasons ago.
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The Steelers just wrapped up a run with Aaron Rodgers under center, and it went well enough to earn a trip to the playoffs. Unfortunately, they were stopped well short of their goal of winning a Super Bowl. Pittsburgh was dominated by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round, leading to Tomlin’s decision to step down.
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At the end of the season, NFL rumors have suggested that the Steelers are open to a second season with Rodgers at quarterback. Where do they stand on that now that McCarthy is in the picture? According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the door is still open for the QB.
“The Steelers remained open to an Aaron Rodgers return before they decided to hire Mike McCarthy,” Schefter reported after the McCarthy news. “This hiring could enhance the chances of a return.”
McCarthy and Rodgers have a long history of working together. In 1999, McCarthy joined the Green Bay Packers as their quarterbacks coach for one season before leaving for the New Orleans Saints. In 2006, he returned to the Packers to become their head coach. Rodgers was there as their 24th overall pick from the 2005 NFL Draft.
In 18 seasons with the Packers, Rodgers put together a Hall of Fame run. He won a Super Bowl with McCarthy in 2010.
Since splitting up, Rodgers spent two seasons with the New York Jets before his lone run with the Steelers. Last year, Rodgers helped lead the Steelers to a 10-6 record. He threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
As for McCarthy, he last coached the Dallas Cowboys in 2024. He spent five seasons in Dallas, cracking the playoffs three times. The Cowboys won one playoff game during that era.
Rodgers’ future is unclear. The quarterback hasn’t ruled out a return or retirement. While the loss of Tomlin in Pittsburgh made it seem as if his days in central Pennsylvania were over, Schefter’s reporting suggests there’s a chance that’s not the case.
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