“I love the Pittman pickup,” Roethlisberger stated on the Deebo & Joe podcast. “I think it’s something that screams, ‘Hey, Aaron Rodgers, come on. We’re giving you these weapons.’“

Secrecy at this stage of the offseason is complete. However, even Pittman himself believes that Rodgers will return to the NFL, at least for a little while longer.

Rodgers’ weapons in Steel City

If Aaron Rodgers commits to the 2026 season, he will lead a high-powered offense featuring an elite receiving duo in DK Metcalf and newly acquired Michael Pittman Jr., alongside young playmaker Roman Wilson. The backfield offers a versatile punch with the hard-running Rico Dowdle and the explosive Jaylen Warren, giving the veteran quarterback one of the most balanced supporting casts of his legendary career.

McCarthy explores alternatives

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a pivotal crossroads at quarterback as they await Aaron Rodgers’ decision for the 2026 season. If the veteran retires, the team is currently headlined by Mason Rudolph, who remains a reliable, experienced bridge-starter familiar with the organization’s culture.

In contrast, the Steelers are also high on the developmental upside of Will Howard, the 2025 draft pick who spent his rookie year learning the system and is now positioned to compete for the starting role under Mike McCarthy’s new offensive regime.

Pittsburgh needs to return to the Super Bowl

The Steelers are currently facing one of the longest droughts in their storied history, making a return to the Super Bowl an absolute necessity for the franchise’s legacy. It has been 15 years since their last appearance in Super Bowl XLV and 17 years since they secured their last championship ring in Super Bowl XLIII.

The urgency reached a breaking point this past January 2026, when Pittsburgh suffered a frustrating 30-6 Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans, extending its postseason losing streak to seven games and leaving the fanbase desperate for a deep playoff run.

During a recent edition of Cam Heyward’s podcast, ‘Not Just Football’, Joey Porter took a huge shot at Big Ben, pointing out that he was not a good teammate in the Steelers’ locker room. The former linebacker pointed to other names such as James Harrison for having created podcasts to criticize Mike Tomlin and the players on the current roster.

“James Harrison broke the brotherhood. Then 7 (Ben Roethlisberger) definitely broke the brotherhood. The things that 7 do. That did and we don’t talk about is crazy. Out of anybody that should talk, he should never grab a microphone and really talk Steelers business. He’s not a good teammate.”

Was Ben Roethlisberger a bad teammate with Steelers?

According to Joey Porter, Ben Roethlisberger was a bad teammate with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I won a Super Bowl with him, but, the person, he’s just not a good teammate. He knows that. Anybody in the Steelers building knows that, but we protected him because I’ve only won one Super Bowl and that was my quarterback. So, do I love my quarterback? Yeah. But, is he a good person? No.”

Steelers’ players criticize Big Ben

In addition to Joey Porter, several players joined the criticism against Big Ben in an Instagram post, commenting that they agreed. That list of names includes Mason Rudolph, Zach Banner, and Mike Mitchell.

So far, there has been no response from Ben Roethlisberger, but many expect a strong message in the next edition of his podcast, ‘Footbahlin’. When everything seemed to be heading toward a quiet offseason, the Steelers found that their former stars have suddenly unleashed a huge controversy.

“I said last week that I would like the McCarthy hire. I think you bring a new voice into the locker room because sometimes the message can get repetitive. McCarthy is a Pittsburgh guy, who obviously, I know he’s coached in a lot of places, but you’re telling me that he doesn’t have black and gold in there. He’s going to understand the Steeler Way.”

The Steelers have gone 17 years without winning a Super Bowl and have not recorded a playoff victory in nine seasons. Mike Tomlin decided to part ways with the team, and McCarthy was chosen as the ideal replacement according to the Rooney family and general manager Omar Khan.

Aaron Rodgers might come back to play for Mike McCarthy and Steelers in 2026

Mike McCarthy publicly admitted that he has already spoken with Aaron Rodgers and that he would like the veteran to be his quarterback in 2026. However, the head coach also said that, given Aaron’s age, the star deserves time to think about his decision to return or retire.

Fans don’t believe in Mike McCarthy and Steelers

After the announcement of Mike McCarthy as the new head coach of the Steelers, many fans could not believe the decision and felt it was more of the same, with a résumé very similar to that of Mike Tomlin. However, Ben Roethlisberger cannot understand those opinions.

“I’ve been really amazed at kind of the outpouring of disbelief of like: ‘Why are we doing this? What an awful hire.’ And I’m sitting there like scratching my head at some of the people that are saying this because I believe it’s a great hire. We finally have an offensive minded coach in here. I’m so excited for an offensive minded coach because I think we have to score more than six points in a playoff game. Mike McCarthy has a great track record. Are we sure that we want a young guy that’s unproven?”

“Coach T, we got to spend 15 years together, and through the ups and downs it was a great ride. Thank you for all you did for me and this team, and this community! You are a legend, and one of the greatest to do it! Here is to the next chapter, whatever that looks like.”

After Roethlisberger confirmed retirement, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not found their next franchise quarterback. Mike Tomlin tried different formulas, but none worked: Kenny Pickett, Russell Wilson, Mason Rudolph, Justin Fields, and, in his final season, Aaron Rodgers.

Who will be next Steelers’ head coach?

Ben Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast that Marcus Freeman should be the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The problem is that, for now, he has no plans to leave Notre Dame. That’s why Freeman might not be on the list of candidates.

“An ideal perfect hire would be Marcus Freeman from Notre Dame. He is a young guy. New and fresh. Someone that guys would respect. But he’s not leaving Notre Dame. Let’s be honest.”

Best head coach option for Steelers

Additionally, Roethlisberger spoke about the possible characteristics that Tomlin’s replacement should have. Big Ben thinks it’s time to shift to an offense-oriented leader. There are many brilliant young assistants in the NFL who are shining and could take on that role.

“I’m not just saying it because I’m an offensive guy. But we’ve had defensive head coaches here that specialized in defense. I get it, it’s Pittsburgh. I understand that Steelers football is about defense and running the ball, but, why not mix it up? Why not bring in a head coach that’s offensive minded that would kind of change it up? Let’s be honest, six points is not enough in a playoff game. You can’t do that. Let’s bring in a head coach that’s offensively minded and allow him to then bring in a defensive coordinator. I would love to see a little bit of a shift in the head coach to be more of an offensive guy.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers legend confirmed whether he would be physically ready to play if he received a call. “Right this minute? No. But if I had a little work, I could. Listen, my right arm works just fine. I promise you that. It’s the rest of my body I worry about.”

Big Ben won the Super Bowl twice with the Steelers and is one year younger than Rivers, which is why rumors about a possible return are swirling. However, Roethlisberger was emphatic in stating that he is not considering it at all.

Is Ben Roethlisberger coming out of retirement?

No. Ben Roethlisberger confirmed that he will not come out of retirement to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers or any other team. Although he sometimes thinks about it and misses the excitement of being on the field, there is no chance he will return.

“18 years. I got to do it so much. I realized, which is crazy, that I’ve played 249 games and I was like: ‘Do I come back for one more to get 250? Just a round number, but, no. It’s too much now. Every once in a while I think about the fourth quarter and having the ball in my hands, but, other than that, I don’t miss it.”

When he left the door open to pursue that hypothetical 250th game of his career, Big Ben was asked whether there was truly not even the slightest possibility that he would consider it. “No chance. Zero chance.”

Brooke Pryor shared Roethlisberger’s response on X to a question about what he meant by “clean house” and a possible departure of Tomlin from Pittsburgh: “that’s just saying that I think Coach Tomlin, if he wants to move on, he has every right to want to move on. Not they should. It’s up to him and he’s earned that,” the former quarterback stated.

This was the original comment Roethlisberger made on his podcast earlier in December: “It’s being talked about around here a lot. Maybe it’s time,” Roethlisberger said Tuesday on his podcast. “Maybe it’s ‘clean house’ time. Maybe it is. … And I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin, but maybe it’s best for him, too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best, whether that’s in the pros (or not).”

Roethlisberger’s comments preceded Steelers victory

Roethlisberger’s clarification regarding Tomlin came just before the matchup against the Dolphins, a game the Steelers ultimately won. Notably, just an hour before kickoff, Roethlisberger was honored in a ceremony for his induction into the team’s Hall of Honor.

Tomlin had previously congratulated Roethlisberger back on July 26, when the induction class was first announced. “Big-time congratulations to Joey Porter, Maurkice Pouncey and Ben Roethlisberger on being selected for the Hall of Honor Class of 2025. These were three incredible players and are great representatives of the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Tomlin posted on X.

Roethlisberger is just one of many who have voiced criticisms of Tomlin recently. Even sections of the Steelers fan base have been calling for a coaching change. However, that decision ultimately rests not just with the coach, who famously hasn’t had a losing season in years, but also with the team’s front office.

It all happened in a new episode of his podcast Footbahlin. “I’ve heard some things that Aaron, this last game, when they finally moved the ball, Aaron was just calling plays. Maybe it’s one of those situations where we unhook the helmet and let Aaron do his thing.”

After hearing these comments, many fans recalled that in Roethlisberger’s final years as the Steelers’ quarterback, the veteran often called plays on certain drives that were more successful than what the various offensive coordinators of that era were sending in. Aaron Rodgers might be in a similar situation.

Will Steelers fire Mike Tomlin?

The Steelers won’t fire Mike Tomlin since he still has a contract with the team, but in the latest episode of his podcast, Ben Roethlisberger suggested that Art Rooney II should start considering the possibility of trading him to another team.

Big Ben said that if Tomlin leaves, the Steelers will have to honor him the way he deserves, but looking ahead, they need to start searching for the next guy who can lead Pittsburgh for at least the next 20 years.

“So, therefore it tells me you go: ‘Hey coach, listen, it’s probably best for all parties involved. Let’s start over.’ It happened with Chuck Noll. It happened with coach Cowher. Now coach Cowher was a little bit different because of family things. Coach Tomlin has been here a long time. You would give him a statue and do whatever you got to do because he deserves it. He’s earned it. But, it’s time to find that next guy. And who’s that next guy that could be here for the next 20 years.”

Big Ben is one of the most respected voices when it comes to the team he once led to a Super Bowl title, and he didn’t hold back when talking about the head coach’s future. Roethlisberger believes it may be time for Tomlin to get a fresh start and pursue new challenges with another team.

“It’s being talked about around here a lot: Maybe it’s a clean-house time. Maybe it’s time,” the former QB said on his podcast. “I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin. But maybe it’s best for him, too.

“Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. Whether that’s in the pros, maybe go be Penn State’s head coach. You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships. Because he’s a great recruiter.”

“Here’s what you don’t do: You don’t fire a guy like Coach Tomlin,” Roethlisberger also added. “He’s a Hall of Fame head coach, he’s respected. What you do is you come to an understanding and agreement, and it’s like, ‘Hey, listen, I think it’s probably best for both of us.’”

Could Tomlin be done as the Steelers’ head coach?

While nothing is certain regarding what will happen with Tomlin after this season, rumors are starting to swirl — including the possibility that he could step down after 19 years on the job.

The head coach has his team sitting at 6–6, and its playoff hopes remain alive, but if Pittsburgh fails to clinch a spot, his situation could become significantly more complicated.

Roethlisberger draws a parallel to Andy Reid’s situation

Continuing to share his thoughts on what should come next for Tomlin in Pittsburgh, Big Ben pointed to what happened with Andy Reid, who went on to enjoy one of the most successful stretches of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs after leaving the Eagles.

“I think he might say it’s time for a fresh start,” Roethlisberger firmly stated. “Andy Reid, when he got let go in Philadelphia . . . do you think he for one minute regrets it? And now the Eagles have won since he left, and he’s won.”

“My concern is, can we win without getting a ton of turnovers? You hear what I’m saying? Six turnovers. You have to win with six turnovers. It’s almost impossible not to win. Jets game, we won, but, that was kind of iffy. Seahawks, we lost. I don’t remember turnovers. There wasn’t like a huge turnover thing. Patriots, really good football team, we won because they turned the ball over five times. Vikings, I don’t think they’re a good team. Browns, Bengals. Bengals, we lose, no turnovers. Packers, we lose, no turnovers. Colts, we win because we create a lot of turnovers. Can we line up, get no turnovers, and still win the football game? That’s going to be the question. Are we good enough to just line up and play football with no turnovers either way? Can we do that and just play? I don’t know.”

To the surprise of many, Aaron Rodgers hasn’t been the problem at all and is actually having a great season. The question is which version of the Steelers’ defense will show up from here on out. The dominant one against the Colts or the one that got shredded by teams like the Packers and Bengals.

How many Super Bowls did Steelers win with Ben Roethlisberger?

The Steelers won two Super Bowls with Ben Roethlisberger in the 2005 and 2008 seasons. In addition, under Big Ben’s leadership, Pittsburgh also lost Super Bowl XLV to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

By the way, in what seemed like a subtle shot at the team’s front office and ownership, Roethlisberger appeared surprised that a newcomer like Rodgers has been given so much offensive help, while he was practically left with no weapons in his final year as a professional.

“I still think it’s funny because like they’re giving Aaron DK (Metcalf) and all these things, and I got a center that never played center before in my last year. It was amazing.”

Big Ben’s legacy with the Steelers is well known — a two-time Super Bowl champion who defined an era in black and gold. Rodgers, one of the most experienced players still active in the league, understands exactly what Roethlisberger represents to the franchise and the city.

“This is a Big Ben team, I’m just happy to be a part of the organization,” the former Green Bay Packers quarterback said. Mike Tomlin’s squad took care of business at home, defeating the Colts 27–20, and now has its sights set on capturing the AFC North.

“One of my favorite Big Ben moments was the drive in the Super Bowl against Arizona,” Rodgers also added. “Coming down and hitting Santonio in the corner of the end zone on a beautiful pass with a great toe tap. I enjoyed watching him play over the years because he wasn’t the fastest guy, but he was hard to take down. He was always swinging that ball around and keeping plays alive.”

The legacy of Big Ben

Ben Roethlisberger‘s 18-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers cemented his status as one of the franchise’s all-time greats. Big Ben brought a championship pedigree back to the Steel City, hoisting two Lombardi Trophies and becoming the definitive leader for nearly two decades.

His combination of toughness, clutch playmaking, and prolific passing records ensures his No. 7 will forever stand for an era of success, making him a sure-fire Hall of Famer and the face of modern Steelers football.

In search of a new Super Bowl

The arrival of Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh has reignited the Steelers‘ championship aspirations, with the veteran quarterback aiming to deliver a seventh Lombardi Trophy to the Steel City.

Despite his advanced age, Rodgers has shown flashes of his MVP form, posting 17 total passing touchdowns through the team’s first eight games with a strong 68.7% completion rate.

While the team has faced early inconsistency, the combination of Rodgers’ clutch experience and the Steelers’ always-dominant defense provides the final piece of the puzzle that fans believe can power a deep, Super Bowl-caliber playoff run.

Now, even though Aaron Rodgers is playing well, the Steelers have suffered consecutive losses against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers, prompting Big Ben to point out an area that is clearly failing with Tomlin’s team in the 2025 season. Something that used to be a recipe for success in the past.

“The Pittsburgh Steelers, when I was there, and for as long as I can remember, were the best in the world or one of the best in the world at making halftime adjustments. As players, we were proud of the coaches at halftime. Great coaches that were able to make halftime adjustments. We didn’t play well in the first half, they were going to make adjustments and we’re gonna go on the second half and, as long as we executed and do what we’re supposed to do, the adjustments made at halftime were gonna give us an opportunity to win.”

Why did Steelers lose against Packers?

The defense is one of the main reasons why the Pittsburgh Steelers lost against the Green Bay Packers, and according to Ben Roethlisberger, the difference compared to previous years is that the team is collapsing in the second half, whereas before the opposite used to happen.

“As I’m watching these games, it doesn’t feel like the adjustments are being made. Again, I’m not in the locker room. I don’t know, maybe they are and the players aren’t, I don’t know. This is just my opinion. Now, is that coaching? Is it players? Is it adjustments? Is it lack of adjustments? I don’t know. But it just feels like the second half of ball games, we stink. I’m just asking a question. Are we making the proper adjustments?”