The Pittsburgh Steelers went right into strategic mode when Mike Tomlin notified the organization that he would be stepping down as head coach. Following yet another disappointing loss in the first round of a postseason, the long-time leader decided that it was time to walk away from the Steel City. This caught a lot of folks by surprise, but the fan base became cautiously optimistic that a new era would began for the franchise. The NFL had 10 openings at a time, which is rather unprecedented. As they have started to get filled, Art Rooney II and Omar Khan have been hard at work.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Team President Art Rooney II roams the sidelines as the team warms up and gets ready to compete in a 2022 preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
After several interviews, plenty of deliberation and most likely a ton of internal conversations, the Steelers have officially made a decision regarding who will be the organization's next head coach, and only fourth dating back to the 1969 campaign. It was reported that the hiring team extended an offer, and it will be accepted to seal the deal.
Coming home: The Steelers are working towards a deal to hire Mike McCarthy as their head coach, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 24, 2026
McCarthy grew up in Pittsburgh. Now, at age 62, the Super Bowl winner gets a chance to coach the team he grew up rooting for. pic.twitter.com/utGTpvgcp6
It is a bit of a shock that the Steelers are making the decision to hire Mike McCarthy, but his experience and ability to develop a quarterback likely sold the front office. It will be interesting to see how this may affect Aaron Rodgers' future. There is now a serious possibility that the veteran reunites with his former head coach to run it back in the Steel City for the 2026 campaign.
It's not very common for an individual to receive a third job as a head man in the NFL. McCarthy, however, did just enough during his time meeting with the Steelers' brass to convince them that he is the perfect solution for the near-future.
Mike McCarthy gets the rare third head coaching gig. Headed back home to Pittsburgh. https://t.co/BV2KibxdIT
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 24, 2026
Khan surely had a lot to do with the process overall, and now this hire will go down as the most important decision of his tenure. Next, he will have to try to land the Steelers a franchise quarterback; that is, unless Rodgers returns. It is very possible that the idea of a long-term signal-caller gets delayed until 2027. McCarthy and Rodgers could be searching for one last chance to win a second Lombardi Trophy together.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan stands over near and signs pictures for the fans as the team prepares to work out during a training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
This is not just massive new in Pittsburgh, but the entire sports world. The Steelers hired Chuck Noll in 1969, Bill Cowher in 1992, and then Tomlin in 2007. Over the span of five and a half decades, only three individuals could call themselves a head coach of the franchise. Now, that number rises to four. It's fair to note that fans may be upset about the decision. McCarthy could just continue a long streak of being mediocre, instead of completely reinventing the wheel.
Smiley N. Pool / Dallas Morning News
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hugs his old Head Coach Mike McCarthy after their team won a big professional football contest.
Steelers Now Must Strategically Set Up A Long-Term Plan
With a new head coach comes a new vision. Pittsburgh has had the same approach to things dating back to 2007. Tomlin's philosophies and mindset will not leave the locker room entirely, but there will be changes. It's not just about the coaching staff, but the roster as well. Modern-day football schemes and tactics will be expected of fans, and this new leadership group will have to get right to work.
Do you think the Steelers made the correct hire? Let us know in the comments below!
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