The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially appointed Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, following the recent departure of Mike Tomlin. Team owner and president Art Rooney II expressed his enthusiasm for the decision, emphasizing McCarthy’s extensive experience and proven track record in the NFL.
Rooney, who has led the team for over two decades, detailed the hiring process on the Steelers’ website. “He is someone who has a longer track record than many of the other candidates, a winning track record. He’s been a winner everywhere he’s been,” Rooney stated. He further conveyed a message to fans, saying, “We’re very excited. We think we have a coach who is well-equipped to lead us into the next winning phase of Steelers football. I think they’re going to love Coach Mike.”
McCarthy, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a rich background in coaching, having previously led the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 to 2024. He also held positions with the Green Bay Packers, where he famously guided the team to a Super Bowl XLV victory against the Steelers in 2011. His coaching career has included roles with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers.
This appointment comes in the wake of Tomlin’s resignation after nearly two decades at the helm. Tomlin stepped down following a disappointing Wild Card playoff loss to the Houston Texans, where the Steelers faced a 30-6 defeat that saw players booed off the field. With McCarthy now at the forefront, the Steelers aim to shift gears and embark on a new chapter.
The announcement of McCarthy’s hiring arrives as speculation surrounds the future of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is yet to confirm his retirement plans. Notably, Rodgers and McCarthy share a history from their time together at the Packers, where they achieved significant success. Despite this, Rooney clarified that Rodgers’ situation did not influence the decision to hire McCarthy. “We don’t know what Aaron’s plans are right now. That did not weigh heavily in the decision. The decision was made based on Mike being the coach we want,” Rooney explained.
McCarthy’s tenure as the head coach of the Steelers marks an exciting turn for the franchise, which is eager to reclaim its status as a competitive force in the league. With a strong coaching pedigree and a deep connection to Pittsburgh, McCarthy is expected to bring renewed hope to the team and its supporters.
