The Pittsburgh Steelers are in rare air as they search for their next head coach. Longtime Head Coach Mike Tomlin has decided it is time to step away after 19 seasons leading the franchise. The Steelers have had only three head coaches since 1969, and now Team President Art Rooney II is tasked with finding the next leader of this respected and storied organization. Pittsburgh has been busy sending out interview requests to a number of exciting candidates.
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Steelers Owner Art Rooney II (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) oversee practice during the 2021 minicamp in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have prioritized a defensive mindset in this search, but they are also considering offensive-minded candidates, including Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. He is a young and intriguing option, with some already calling him the next Sean McVay. That comparison has energized Steeler Nation.
On Sunday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers are expected to interview former Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy also brings strong ties to the Steel City, including a professional connection with General Manager Omar Khan.
"Steelers are expected to speak with former Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy about their head coach vacancy," Schefter said on Sunday. "McCarthy is from Pittsburgh, and worked with Steelers GM Omar Khan in New Orleans in 2000."
With the news that Steelers players are hopeful Aaron Rodgers may stay, those hopes previously seemed unlikely. However, this development could change that, as McCarthy coached Rodgers for several seasons and led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory over the Steelers. With the news that Tomlin is stepping away from coaching the game of football at the age of 53, many assumed that meant Rodgers would not be playing in Pittsburgh in 2026.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin talks with Aaron Rodgers before a home game against the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
When Rodgers joined the Steelers for the 2025 season, he made it clear early on that this would likely be his final season in the NFL. Then the Steelers started winning, finishing 10-7 and winning the AFC North. However, the 2025 season didn't finish how many Steelers fans hoped. Tomlin and the franchise have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season. With Rodgers by his side, many thought maybe Tomlin could end that drought.
The Steelers indeed didn't end the drought as they lost 30-6 in their home playoff game to the Houston Texans. Tomlin stepped down less than 24 hours after that 24 point home loss.
Rodgers praised Tomlin and thanked him for bringing him to Pittsburgh. He was reportedly devastated to see Tomlin step down, muttering that he was sorry several times and feeling as though he had failed him.
Steelers May Try To Keep Aaron Rodgers In Pittsburgh For 2026 Season
Now, the news that McCarthy may be considered for the job adds to the speculation that Rodgers could stay in Pittsburgh. If the Steelers were to hire McCarthy, it would give Rodgers an instant connection to a coach he won a Super Bowl with and played under for 13 seasons.
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Former Green Bay Packers Head Coach Mike McCarty during a game in the 2010s.
McCarthy has experience coaching two cornerstone franchises in the NFL, and if he were hired by the Steelers, he would be leading a third cornerstone organization. It will be interesting to monitor this situation regarding McCarthy and the Steelers.
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