The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through a major change as Mike McCarthy has been hired on as the team's new head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down from the role following the 2025 season. Much of the fan base was initially fairly upset about the hire, but it is a nice change of pace regardless as it felt like things were getting a bit stale under Tomlin. McCarthy brings an offensive mind to the role, which is something that has not been the case in Pittsburgh over the last 50 years. It will be interesting to see how things play out, as a lot more change is likely to come.
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Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin meets with ex-Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy after a game.
Tomlin stepping down was a surprise to some, especially players on the team as it was reported they were very emotional when they were told the news. Tomlin was beloved by nearly every player he ever coached, and he is going to be missed by every player in the locker room. This is a major change and they are all probably still adjusting as there hasn't been much of a reaction from any players to the hiring of McCarthy. This is something Brooke Pryor pointed out while on SportsCenter on Monday.
"I also think it's important to note that I've not seen a lot of celebratory posts from players on the Steelers roster currently," Pryor said. "It's been kind of quiet. Maybe something, maybe nothing. Kind of feels like there could be something there."
This is a major change for a lot of players, and some guys are probably worried about their jobs. It is completely fair not to post on social media or come out publicly and applaud the hire, especially with how much Tomlin meant to the franchise and to the players. However, it would be nice to see some of the more prominent players on the team post or say something about the hire as many within the fan base were melting down after the news broke.
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Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt talks with long-time defensive leader Cameron Heyward as the two enjoy a day off during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA..
Players like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward probably could have made some sort of comment on the new hire as two of the longest tenured players on the roster, along with Chris Boswell. They are both captains, although both have some decisions to make on their futures. Heyward could certainly retire this offseason, and after Tomlin stepped down, he might be more motivated to do just that. Watt wants to win, and he has yet to advance in the playoffs since coming to Pittsburgh. It wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for him to ask to be traded.
The fact that neither of those players have come out in support of the hire or anything could be considered concerning. It is important to remember that Pittsburgh's season did not end that long ago, and Tomlin stepping down is still fresh. Players need time to process everything.
Hopefully the players feel better about the hiring of McCarthy than the fan base does. If the players feel the same way, then there is going to be a lot of trouble in Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' Mike McCarthy and former head coach Mike Tomlin meet ahead of Super Bowl XLV.
Steelers' Mike McCarthy Will Be In Pittsburgh On Tuesday
As of now, the most solidarity fans have seen from players about the hire is some of the younger guys liking the post on Instagram. Maybe that will change when the new head coach gets to town for his introductory press conference on Tuesday. Some players that stay in the area usually come to a press conference like that, and it will be interesting to see if any players show up to the event. Young players might, but special attention will be paid to the veterans like Watt and Heyward.
What do you think about the lack of player reaction to the new hire in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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