Steelers May Continue Old Ways And Look To Promote From Within For Next Offensive Coordinator

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Team President Art Rooney II are in rare territory. With the 2025 season officially over, long-time Head Coach Mike Tomlin had elected to step away from coaching after an extraordinary 19-season tenure in Pittsburgh. His departure marks the end of one of the most stable and successful eras in franchise history, leaving the organization facing a transition that few in the building have ever experienced.

For Khan and Rooney, this moment represents both a challenge and an opportunity: the chance to redefine the direction of the team while honoring the culture that has defined the Steelers for decades.

That new direction appears to be taking shape with the Steelers’ verbal agreement to hire Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Mike McCarthy. The 62-year-old coach is returning to the sidelines after time away from the game, bringing with him a résumé that includes a championship and years of experience guiding elite quarterbacks. 

McCarthy famously coached Aaron Rodgers during their time together with the Green Bay Packers, which has immediately sparked speculation around the league. Many are now wondering whether this move could have implications for Rodgers’ future with Pittsburgh in 2026, should the veteran quarterback consider one final chapter to his storied career.

Beyond the quarterback questions, curiosity is also growing around who McCarthy will assemble as his coaching staff. Coordinator hires often reveal as much about a coach’s vision as any press conference, and fans are eager to see whether McCarthy leans on familiar names or fresh ideas. 

Steelers insider Brian Batko added intrigue with an eye-opening comment suggesting that a potential hire from within the organization could be in play, signaling that continuity may still matter even in the midst of significant change.

"It’s fair to leave room for an internal hire, and [Tom] Arth is the Steelers assistant most worthy of a promotion," Batko said. "He’s the current quarterbacks coach, has a great relationship with Aaron Rodgers, and actually had a cup of coffee in Green Bay in 2006, McCarthy’s first year. Arth, 44, was a pass-game specialist for the Los Angeles Chargers from 2022-23."

Batko believes Tom Arth is a name to watch in the offensive coordinator search, a possibility that would likely signal more to Steelers fans than it appears on the surface. If Pittsburgh were to go in this direction, it could suggest that McCarthy is at least open to the idea of trying to bring Rodgers back for another season. 

Tomlin wanted Rodgers for 2025, and while the partnership worked to a degree, it was far from perfect. The Steelers finished 10–7 and won the AFC North, but the year ended with a disappointing 24-point blowout loss at home in the playoffs.

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Rodgers was solid overall, but he was noticeably less effective against elite pass rushes. That may not have been entirely his fault, as the wide receivers often struggled to get consistent separation, which limited the offense’s ceiling. Still, many Steelers fans are ready for a broader retooling of the roster and philosophy. 

There is a growing desire to see fresh ideas brought in from outside the organization rather than another internal promotion. The decisions McCarthy makes in the coming weeks, especially at coordinator and quarterback, will likely define the next era of Steelers football and determine whether this transition leads to sustained success or continued frustration. Steeler Nation is eager to find out what direction McCarthy will go as the new era of Steelers football continues.

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