Mike McCarthy was hired as Pittsburgh’s new head coach for the 2026 season, beginning a new era for an organization that had been led by Tomlin since 2007. The transition comes with significant expectations, but Tomlin believes McCarthy is an ideal fit for the franchise.

The former Steelers coach also highlighted one of McCarthy’s biggest advantages: his history with Aaron Rodgers. The two previously won a Super Bowl together with the Green Bay Packers, and that shared experience could help McCarthy immediately establish credibility with Pittsburgh’s veteran quarterback.

Why does Mike Tomlin think Mike McCarthy is a perfect fit for Steelers?

Mike Tomlin believes the connection between McCarthy and Pittsburgh goes beyond his coaching resume. As a Pittsburgh native, McCarthy already understands the culture and expectations that come with coaching the Steelers.

“I know a little bit about the Steelers situation to say the least. Mike McCarthy is perfect for them and they’re perfect for Mike. Certainly being a Pittsburgh native, he understands the standard that is Pittsburgh. And he’ll embrace that. His coaching experience will also allow him to manage that.”

That familiarity with Pittsburgh could be particularly valuable during a transition season. McCarthy does not have to learn the organization’s expectations from scratch, and his experience leading an NFL team could help him handle the pressure that comes with replacing Tomlin.

Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers give Steelers continuity

Tomlin also pointed to McCarthy’s previous success with Rodgers as a major advantage. The two spent years together in Green Bay and reached the ultimate destination, giving McCarthy firsthand knowledge of what Rodgers can do when the offense is built around him.

“He’s got an awesome resume obviously. The confetti has rained down on him before with his current quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Man, there’s no substitute for shared success. Those waters run deep. He’s positioned to do well. Certainly, there are some challenges when you come into a new situation, but there’s a lot to like about continuity in this new experience for him.”

That continuity could become one of the defining factors of Pittsburgh’s 2026 season. McCarthy already knows Rodgers’ strengths, weaknesses and personality, while Rodgers enters the season with a familiar offensive mind leading the organization.

For the Steelers, the combination could provide a smoother transition than a typical coaching change. Tomlin’s endorsement suggests that, despite the pressure surrounding the franchise, McCarthy has several advantages that could help him succeed immediately in Pittsburgh.

“I do love it (the game), yeah,” Rodgers said in an interview with SiriusXM NFL Radio with Pat Kirwan. “I’m also 42. I’ve played 22 years. I played three in college. I’ve never had a fall to myself. I want to start a family with my wife, you know? I think you just have to know when it’s time.

“And, you know, there’s been times in the last three offseasons where I felt like maybe it is time. But doors open, and I just tried to listen to the signs. I might have been listening to the wrong signs by going to New York, but it was a good learning experience, you know, and I learned a lot during that process, and I am thankful for that time there.“

His only year with Tomlin was key to bringing back his joy: “And I’m thankful for last year with Coach Tomlin, because he helped me get that love back, that deep love back for the game.“

The Rodgers-Tomlin connection paid off

During their lone 2025 season together in Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin guided the Steelers to a 10-7 regular-season record and an AFC North title. Operating in a run-heavy offense, Rodgers started 16 games, completing 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions with a 94.8 passer rating.

However, their campaign came to a disappointing end in the AFC Wild Card round with a 30-6 home blowout loss to the Houston Texans, where a flu-stricken Rodgers was held to just 146 passing yards and an interception.

A bad memory in New York

Aaron Rodgers’ tenure with the New York Jets was defined by heartbreak and a modest rebound. After arriving via a high-profile trade in 2023, his debut season ended almost immediately when he tore his left Achilles tendon on just his fourth snap of Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

Returning fully healthy for the 2024 season, Rodgers played all 17 games, completing 63.0% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 90.5 passer rating. Across his 18 total games in New York, he finished with 3,897 passing yards, 28 TDs, and 11 INTs before parting ways with the franchise.

A new chapter in Steel City

The reunion with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh has reignited optimism for Aaron Rodgers as he enters what he confirmed will be his final NFL season in 2026. Reuniting with the head coach who guided him to a Super Bowl victory and two MVP awards in Green Bay brings an immediate level of comfort, familiarity, and elite communication to the offense.

Rodgers said: “…then they hired Mike McCarthy, and I was like, ‘Okay, maybe we need a full circle here, me and Mike need a full circle here.”

The Steelers enter the season with a new head coach after moving on from Tomlin and hiring McCarthy. That transition comes with significant pressure, particularly because they have gone through a long playoff drought struggling to turn regular-season success into postseason victories.

With Aaron Rodgers leading the offense and a talented defense expected to carry much of the team’s identity, expectations are already high. The question is whether Pittsburgh should consider anything short of an AFC Championship Game or Super Bowl appearance a disappointment.

What does Mike Tomlin expect from the Steelers in 2026?

Mike Tomlin compared McCarthy’s situation to what recently happened with the New York Knicks, who ended a championship drought dating back to 1973. He also pointed to the Buffalo Bills as another example of a team that has repeatedly reached the postseason without reaching the ultimate destination.

“It’s a little bit like the Knicks with these guys in particular. In Buffalo as well, right? When you’re running knee-deep into the playoffs, but you don’t get to your desired destination, there is some expectations that come with transition. So, certainly he’s got a little bit of that (McCarthy), but Mike has been around before. I’m more interested in how Joe Brady handles that.”

Tomlin’s comments suggest that McCarthy will inherit a team where simply making the playoffs may no longer be enough. Pittsburgh’s expectations are tied to the desire to make a deep postseason run, especially after years of falling short when the stakes become highest.

Mike McCarthy faces major expectations with Steelers

Mike McCarthy is no stranger to pressure. He has already coached in demanding NFL environments like the Dallas Cowboys and Packers. McCarthy understands what it takes to lead a team with championship expectations. That experience could help him navigate Pittsburgh’s transition.

With Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and the Steelers looking to maximize their veteran roster, McCarthy’s ability to build an effective offensive system could ultimately determine how far Pittsburgh will goe.

The Steelers have spent years searching for consistency on offense while trying to remain competitive in the AFC. In 2026, that margin for error may be smaller than ever.

For McCarthy, the challenge is clear: Pittsburgh will expect more than simply another playoff appearance. The Steelers want to finally turn their playoff presence into a legitimate championship run.

During the Hall of Fame Game between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers, Tomlin was asked about the parts of his former life that he misses and those he is happy to leave behind. His response offered an honest glimpse into how he is adapting to his new reality.

Tomlin made it clear that he misses the relationships he built with his players and the sense of brotherhood that comes with coaching. However, there are also parts of the NFL grind that he has no problem leaving behind, particularly the demanding lifestyle that comes with spending so much time at training camp.

What does Mike Tomlin miss about coaching?

Mike Tomlin pointed specifically to his time in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh Steelers training camp became a major part of his life over nearly two decades.

“I’ll start first with what I don’t miss. I don’t miss that dorm room in Latrobe, Pennsylvania where I spent a calendar year of my life. You know? But I do miss the men, the brotherhood, the camaraderie, the fighting together. But I gotta admit, I’m also enjoying the camaraderie I’m developing with this group.”

The comment highlights the contrast between the physical demands of coaching and the relationships that made the job meaningful for Tomlin. While he does not miss the long days and uncomfortable training-camp routine, he clearly misses being around the players and fighting alongside them toward a common goal.

Mike Tomlin is embracing his new role at NBC

At the same time, Tomlin appears to be enjoying the new relationships he is developing in television. His NBC role allows him to remain deeply connected to the NFL while experiencing the sport without the daily responsibilities of running a franchise.

That could make his decision about returning to coaching even more interesting. Tomlin has already acknowledged that the coaching itch could return once regular-season football begins, but for now, he seems comfortable with his new life.

After 19 seasons as head coach in Pittsburgh, he is discovering that he can miss the people without necessarily missing the job itself. The Super Bowl champion admitted it wasn’t an easy job. “It was a somewhat stressful job.”

Tomlin made his highly anticipated debut as an NBC analyst during the 2026 Hall of Fame Game between the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. He immediately became a trending topic on social media.

After spending 19 seasons as the Steelers’ head coach, the Super Bowl champions is now experiencing the NFL from a completely different perspective. That immediately raised one of the biggest questions surrounding his future: how long will Tomlin be able to stay away from coaching?

Will Mike Tomlin coach again?

During the Hall of Fame Game broadcast, NBC’s Chris Collinsworth asked Mike Tomlin how strong the “itch” to return to coaching already was, particularly with the expectation that teams could eventually come calling for his services.

Tomlin admitted that, for now, he has not felt that urge. “I haven’t thought a whole lot about it yet because I don’t feel like I’m missing anything yet. You know, when those regular season balls start snapping, that’s when I’ll start, you know, getting a little twitch a little bit, man.”

Tomlin’s answer suggests that he is fully embracing his new role for the moment rather than immediately looking ahead to his next head coaching opportunity. However, anything is possible.

Could Mike Tomlin return to the NFL?

The possibility of Mike Tomlin returning to coaching will likely remain one of the biggest storylines surrounding him throughout the 2026 season. After 19 years in Pittsburgh, Tomlin brings a remarkable résumé to any potential future opportunity, including a Super Bowl title and a reputation for consistently keeping the Steelers competitive.

The key question may simply be whether watching NFL games from the broadcast booth eventually becomes frustrating for him. Tomlin appears comfortable with his decision right now, but his own comments leave the door open.

Once regular-season football arrives and the games start carrying real stakes, the former Steelers coach expects that competitive instinct to return. For now, though, Tomlin is enjoying the view from the booth.

Is Mike Tomlin retired?

No. Mike Tomlin has not officially retired from coaching. After parting ways with the Steelers following 19 seasons, Tomlin has moved into the NBC broadcast booth for the 2026 season, but he has not closed the door on a return to the NFL.

His comments suggest he is comfortable taking a year away from coaching, although the desire to return could grow once the regular season begins and he starts feeling the competitive “itch” again.

“He [wants me out there for] 30 or 40 plays,” Rodgers told Mike Silver of The Athletic. “I said, ‘Mike, if you want me to play, I’ll play.’ I’m not saying I want to do it. But if he wants me to, I will.”

McCarthy admitted his desire to see him play in the preseason, although he has not made a final decision yet. “We have plans … he’d like to play. I’d like to see him play. But we won’t make a decision until we get all the way up to it,” the head coach said according to ESPN‘s Brooke Pryor.

Rodgers is someone who knows his body very well and, at this stage of his career, understands that he cannot take unnecessary risks before the start of what could be his final season. However, he might grant his head coach’s wish so the two can build the same synergy that previously led them to the ultimate success years ago with the Green Bay Packers.

Breaking a tradition

Under Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh always prioritized having all starters — including veteran quarterbacks — play at least a couple of offensive series during the preseason to “tune up” the team before Week 1. With Aaron Rodgers arriving in Steel City, it marked the first time in the Tomlin era that a healthy starter did not take a single snap in August.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ preseason games

Only a few weeks remain until the start of a new NFL season, and before that, preseason games will provide a preview of what could be ahead. If Rodgers takes the field for a few snaps, he will go head-to-head with two familiar opponents: the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets.

• vs Green Bay Packers, August 13
• vs New York Jets, August 21
• at Buffalo Bills, August 27

How did Rodgers do under Mike Tomlin?

Under Mike Tomlin in 2025, Aaron Rodgers provided a steady veteran presence for the Pittsburgh Steelers, guiding them to a 10–7 record. In his campaign in the Steel City, the veteran quarterback threw for 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions with a 65.7% completion rate and a 94.8 passer rating.

However, the season came to a bitter end for the Steelers in the AFC Wild Card round, where Rodgers and the offense were completely smothered in a 30–6 loss to the Houston Texans, managing only 146 passing yards under relentless defensive pressure.

Early signs from training camp suggest the transition has already brought meaningful changes. McCarthy has implemented a different approach on both sides of the ball, and there is growing belief inside the organization that Pittsburgh can once again become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

According to Ian Rapoport, the biggest reason for that optimism may not be the offense led by Aaron Rodgers, but rather a defense that finally appears ready to maximize its elite talent under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Patrick Graham generating excitement inside Steelers

Ian Rapoport explained that Pittsburgh’s coaching change has brought renewed confidence throughout the organization, particularly because of Patrick Graham’s plans for the defense.

“The amount of talent they have on defense. This organization is extremely excited to see this talent with Patrick Graham, the respected defensive coordinator, in a lot more interesting and creative ways than you ever saw them last year. There’s always optimism for the Steelers, who always seem to make the playoffs. But with a bunch of new faces, including head coach Mike McCarthy, the optimism is, I’d say, a little more than usual.”

Those comments reinforce the belief that Pittsburgh’s biggest improvement could come from the defensive side of the football. That’s been the blueprint of the team for decades, but, recently, it’s gone.

Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl?

Mike Tomlin delivered a Super Bowl championship to Pittsburgh early in his tenure, but the franchise’s recent postseason struggles became impossible to ignore.

Over the last nine seasons, the Steelers failed to win a single playoff game. While much of the criticism centered on the team’s inability to find a long-term successor to Ben Roethlisberger, cycling through quarterbacks such as Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Mason Rudolph, many fans and analysts also pointed to the defense as a major disappointment.

Despite boasting the NFL’s highest-paid defensive unit in 2025, featuring stars like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen, and Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh repeatedly fell short in the biggest moments. Much of that frustration was directed toward former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

Now, with Patrick Graham calling the defense and McCarthy leading the team, the Steelers believe they finally have the coaching structure necessary to unlock one of the league’s most talented rosters and return to legitimate Super Bowl contention.

McCarthy replaced Mike Tomlin after the 2025 season, bringing a new offensive philosophy that the Steelers hope will maximize Rodgers during what is expected to be the final season of his legendary NFL career. With expectations soaring, every comment from players about the new system is being closely analyzed.

Metcalf’s latest remarks have generated plenty of discussion because many fans believe they subtly highlight one of the biggest problems with Pittsburgh’s offense last season under Tomlin: communication between the quarterback and his receivers.

DK Metcalf praises communication under Mike McCarthy

Speaking about working with Aaron Rodgers in Mike McCarthy’s offense, DK Metcalf explained how the communication process has changed throughout the week.

“There were a lot of times where he would ask me what routes I want. I could’ve said, ‘I like this route’ or ‘I don’t like this route’ early on in the week instead of letting it bleed until Sunday. And then we’d get in the game and we’d both be on eggshells not knowing what the other one is thinking, but now it’s like an open form of communication. I like X, Y and Z, he likes X, Y and Z and we can both move forward.”

The comments suggest that Rodgers and Metcalf are building their game plan collaboratively throughout the week instead of waiting until game day to solve potential issues.

A subtle shot at Mike Tomlin?

DK Metcalf never directly criticized Mike Mike Tomlin or the Steelers’ 2025 coaching staff. However, many observers have interpreted his comments as an indirect comparison between last year’s offensive operation and the approach being implemented by McCarthy.

The emphasis on open communication and adjusting route concepts early in the week appears to contrast with the uncertainty Metcalf described experiencing on Sundays.

Whether intentional or not, the message is clear: the Steelers believe their offense is operating differently in 2026. If the improved communication between Rodgers and Metcalf translates onto the field, Pittsburgh could have one of the NFL’s most dangerous passing attacks this season.

J.J. Galbreath joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2025 out of South Dakota, and he felt that something hadn’t been quite right during Tomlin’s final stretch with the team. “Last year coming in, I just felt like there was like a tension in the air,” he said during an appearance on The Banner Show.

After completing his first year in the NFL, Galbreath appears to be entering this new chapter with a greater sense of confidence and experience. “It seems more easygoing,” he added.

It appears that Mike McCarthy is already looking to distinguish himself from Mike Tomlin, not only in terms of team culture but also through his tactical approach. Can the veteran head coach lead the Steelers back to the NFL‘s elite?

Mike Tomlin’s legacy

Since taking the reins of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2007, Mike Tomlin has built one of the most impressively consistent resumes in modern NFL history. Most famously, he’s never posted a single losing season in nearly two decades on the sideline.

Along the way, he became the youngest head coach at the time to win a Super Bowl when he led Pittsburgh to victory in Super Bowl XLIII, added seven AFC North division titles, and earned over 170 regular-season wins.

Rodgers’ tight end options

J.J. Galbreath currently sits lower on the Steelers’ tight end depth chart, especially after the team signed former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan to provide another reliable target for Aaron Rodgers. These are the tight ends the veteran quarterback will have at his disposal this season:

• Darnell Washington
• Pat Freiermuth
• Robert Tonyan
• JJ Galbreath
• Lake McRee
• Jaheim Bell

Steelers kick off preparations for the 2026 season

The Steelers’ 2026 NFL training camp is just around the corner, and unlike many other teams, Pittsburgh’s veterans and rookies will report on the same day to begin preparations in full.

The scheduled date for players to report for the toughest stage of preparation is Tuesday, July 28, with Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, serving as the team’s training camp location.

With the 2026 NFL training camp set to begin soon, several changes are already starting to take shape. According to journalist Mark Kaboly on his show Kaboly + Mack, the Steelers are expected to have less physical contact during the early practices, along with the implementation of a new approach under the team’s new regime.

“I guess change isn’t bad, but he ain’t easing into this change,” Kaboly said. “It’s, ‘This is my way, this is how I do it, I don’t even care.’ I wouldn’t even be shocked if there is nothing that is similar to what was done in the past. They even changed the name of their weekly program on their website. What was it called, The Standard is the Standard? I don’t even think that’s the name of it anymore.

“I think it’s Forging Iron or something like that. You think The Standard is the Standard sign is going to be right there walking into the locker room at Acrisure Stadium? I guarantee that sign’s not there. What I’m saying is, everything has changed.“

What means ‘Standard is the Standard’?

Popularized by Mike Tomlin, the phrase “The standard is the standard” embodies an uncompromising mindset of accountability, discipline, and excellence. It means that the team’s expectations and level of performance remain high regardless of circumstances, whether dealing with injuries, roster changes, or playing back-to-back opponents.

In essence, it serves as a reminder that excuses are unacceptable, and every player, regardless of their role or status, is expected to meet the exact same elite standard set by the franchise.

Key differences between McCarthy and Tomlin

While both are Super Bowl-winning head coaches, Mike Tomlin and Mike McCarthy approach the game from fundamentally different tactical foundations. Tomlin is a defensively rooted leader whose core philosophy rests on a hard-nosed, physical 3-4 defense and disciplined, high-intensity play designed to win the turnover margin and physical battles up front.

In contrast, McCarthy is an offensive-minded play-caller built around West Coast passing principles, heavy usage of spread formations, and short-to-intermediate horizontal passing schemes designed to maximize quarterback rhythm and efficiency.

Where Tomlin emphasizes defense, field position, and relentlessly enforcing high standards across all phases, McCarthy focuses his field tactics on dictating tempos, creating favorable passing matchups, and managing offensive red-zone execution.

Parsons is one of the NFL’s biggest stars after an impressive start to his career with the Dallas Cowboys and now with the Green Bay Packers following one of the most surprising trades in league history.

For his part, Tomlin decided to end his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers after 19 seasons and a Super Bowl title with the historic franchise. Now, the veteran head coach is ready for a new chapter in his career.

Micah Parsons makes interesting ‘offer’ to Mike Tomlin

Micah Parsons and Mike Tomlin shared a warm exchange, with the veteran coach telling the star pass rusher, “Man, you just made my night.” Then, in a moment that caught everyone by surprise, Parsons invited Tomlin to join the Packers. “We got a spot for you. Just keep coming North.”

Mike Tomlin’s new job

Mike Tomlin is unlikely to accept Micah Parsons’ offer to join the Packers as an assistant coach or consultant, especially after signing a contract to become an NBC analyst beginning with the 2026 season.

However, in a particularly interesting moment, Parsons appeared to be completely serious about recruiting Tomlin, even though Matt LaFleur is currently the team’s head coach.