Steelers News
New Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said he would like quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return in 2026. McCarthy confirmed he has spoken with Rodgers since taking the job.
The Steelers hired McCarthy on January 24, 2026, replacing Mike Tomlin. McCarthy became the fourth head coach in franchise history since 1969. The 62-year-old Pittsburgh native spent the 2025 season away from coaching after parting ways with the Dallas Cowboys. McCarthy addressed the quarterback situation during his introductory press conference. When asked if he wanted Rodgers back, he responded affirmatively.
“Definitely, I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” McCarthy said. “I have spoken to Aaron, and that’s really where we are there. I was able to sit back and watch the games and watch most of the Pittsburgh games on TV and I thought he was a great asset for the team.”
Rodgers played the 2025 season on a one-year contract worth $13.65 million with $10 million guaranteed. He threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions during the regular season. The Steelers finished 10-7 and won the AFC North division title.
The team lost to the Houston Texans 30-6 in the Wild Card round. Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards with one interception returned for a touchdown. He was sacked four times and lost a fumble that was returned for a score.
Rodgers becomes an unrestricted free agent in March. He will be 42 years old entering the 2026 season. This would mark his 22nd year in the NFL if he returns.
McCarthy and Rodgers worked together in Green Bay from 2006 through 2018. The duo won Super Bowl XLV in 2011. Rodgers captured four MVP awards during McCarthy’s tenure with the Packers. Tomlin resigned after 19 seasons as Pittsburgh’s head coach. He stepped down following the playoff loss. Multiple reports indicated Tomlin played a significant role in recruiting Rodgers to Pittsburgh before the 2025 season.
Steelers players praised Rodgers during exit interviews. Most expressed interest in having him return for another season. The organization stated it would be open to bringing Rodgers back if he decides to continue playing.
Rodgers has publicly stated he plans to retire as a member of the Green Bay Packers. He spent 18 seasons with the organization before playing two years with the New York Jets. An Achilles injury limited him to four snaps in 2023.
McCarthy will call offensive plays for the Steelers. He also expressed excitement about working with Will Howard. Pittsburgh selected Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 draft. The Ohio State product spent most of the season on injured reserve with a broken finger.
Mason Rudolph remains on the roster as the backup quarterback. He started one game when Rodgers suffered a fractured left wrist in Week 11 against Cincinnati. The Steelers possess DK Metcalf as their primary receiving threat. Metcalf caught 59 passes for 850 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with Pittsburgh. He was acquired from Seattle in March and signed a five-year contract extension worth $150 million.
McCarthy’s hiring marks a departure from Pittsburgh’s tradition of promoting young defensive coordinators. The organization chose an experienced offensive coach with a proven track record of quarterback development.
