The Pittsburgh Steelers are notorious for having long-tenured head coaches throughout their history. On Saturday, Pittsburgh named just its fourth head coach since 1969. Mike McCarthy is taking over the reins in Pittsburgh and will be just the second head coach for the franchise in 20 years. On Saturday, many fans felt that the hiring of McCarthy was rushed and labeled it as an underwhelming hire during this head coaching vacancy. McCarthy was not drawing much interest around the league, which was the main factor in driving frustration on Saturday when the hiring was announced.
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Steelers new Head Coach Mike McCarthy on the sidelines during his head coaching tenure for the Green Bay Packers.
However, a former legendary Steelers head coach backed the hiring of McCarthy on Sunday. Former Steelers legendary Head Coach Bill Cowher backed the hiring of McCarthy with a ringing endorsement for the Steelers' newest head coach. Cowher mentioned several of McCarthy's successes as a leader in the NFL.
During his time as a head coach, McCarthy holds a record of 174-112-2. McCarthy also won a Super Bowl while the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2011 over the Steelers. McCarthy, who now returns home as a Pittsburgh native, has also plenty of experience on the offensive side of the ball in his long tenure at the professional level.
"He's an offensive-minded guy," Cowher said. "He grew up under Marty Schottenheimer, so he understands the value of running the football. He coached Joe Montana. He coached Brett Favre. He coached Aaron Rodgers. He coached Dak Prescott."
While it is being speculated quarterback Aaron Rodgers could return for another season with the Steelers, the history suggests the Steelers will be well off even if Rodgers does not. While Pittsburgh may not look to draft a quarterback early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be hosted in the Steel City, it could draft a quarterback in the later rounds or use McCarthy's experience as an offensive mind to try and develop Will Howard.
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Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Head Coach Mike McCarthy talking on the sidelines during their time in Green Bay with the Packers.
While many are underwhelmed by the news of McCarthy taking over in Pittsburgh, Cowher's comments suggest that the jury should still be out on McCarthy. Whether it is players or coaches, McCarthy has worked with several very successful offensive personnel during his time in the NFL. It is not the flashy or home run hire that many were expecting or hoping for, but those successful names should provide some optimism, even if it is ever so slightly.
Steelers Offense Must Adapt To The League Under McCarthy
The Steelers offense stalled many times throughout the 2025 season. While they did win the AFC North division title, they failed to adjust in their playoff loss to the Houston Texans at home, ultimately losing 30-6. The Texans' defense alone found the end zone twice, while the Steelers only managed to muster up two field goals on the scoreboard. Houston sent the Steelers packing early yet again and left fans disappointed as they are starving for playoff success in Pittsburgh.
While many are upset with the hire, McCarthy can quickly silence the doubters if the Steelers turn things around on the offensive side of the ball. The Steelers are well-known for bringing in defensive-minded head coaches. On Saturday, with the news of McCarthy signing a five-year deal to be next up in Pittsburgh, that trend changed. Fans opinions will as well should McCarthy orchestrate an improved offensive attack under his watch.
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Mike McCarthy celebrating with quarterback Dak Prescott in Dallas during his time as the Cowboys head coach.
Underwhelming or not, the hiring of McCarthy should have the focus on offensive improvement in Pittsburgh. Steelers fans have lowered their standard from expecting to win AFC Championships or even Super Bowls to just hoping to see the team win a playoff game and snap a nearly decade long skid.
While McCarthy may not have been the hire that fans had hoped for, the offensive background has the chance to make a lot of people eat their words should he turn things around on that side of the ball.
Do you think McCarthy can turn around the Steelers offense given his background and the offensive personnel he has worked with? Let us know in the comments below!
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