The Pittsburgh Steelers have already underwent major changes as the coaching staff is almost entirely new for the 2026 season. The fan base has been begging for this for several years now, and former Head Coach Mike Tomlin made the difficult decision to step down from his role following the 2025 campaign. Fans envisioned the team hiring a young, innovative mind as its next head coach, but the franchise opted to go with Mike McCarthy. McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native, and the fan base has been fairly split on the hiring. It wasn't the popular choice, but he has experience.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
New Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy signs his contract at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
McCarthy was out of coaching for the 2025 season, but he is now returning. He had been hired as the head coach of arguably the three most historic franchises in the NFL. His first head-coaching job came with the Green Bay Packers, and he also worked for the Dallas Cowboys.
Now, the coach is back in Pittsburgh. Former Steelers offensive lineman, Zach Banner, joined 93.7 The Fan on Friday, and he discussed the hire of McCarthy when he was asked his opinion on the new coach for the Steelers.
"Listen man, I've never been coached by him." Banner said. "But obviously he's been in it longer than I've been in the National Football League. I remember back in the day when I was in elementary and middle school and watching him with Green Bay and then Dallas. I don't think Mr. Rooney would have gave him the job if he wasn't deserving. Obviously there's the hometown Pittsburgh story for him, that's magical. I don't know what it's like to be coached by him, but I've also heard mixed reports about him."
Banner has been very outspoken lately ever since he officially announced his retirement from professional football. He is not afraid to make his opinions known, and he seems to be on board with the hiring of McCarthy, although he did note that he has heard some mixed reports about playing for the coach. That sounds like something that would come from guys that have played for McCarthy in the past.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers new Head Coach Mike McCarthy addresses the media in his introductory press conference.
Banner didn't expand on that point anymore than what was said in that quote, but what he said is not much of a secret. It was known that Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy had their issues with one another towards the end of McCarthy's tenure with Green Bay. Banner did let it be known that he and Rodgers workout in the same gym in Malibu, so there is a chance that the quarterback could be contributing to some of these mixed reports.
Outside of Rodgers, it is unclear where Banner could be getting mixed reports from. The only major issues McCarthy has had as a head coach have come with Rodgers from their time together with the Packers, while there were also some problems in Dallas.
McCarthy was fined in back to back offseason for violating practice rules during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). These fines stem from practicing for too long and things of that nature. This is a sign that the coach might be too hard on the current wave of players in the NFL, but that shouldn't be an issue in Pittsburgh.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Team President and Owner Art Rooney II sits next to new Head Coach Mike McCarthy as his introductory press conference.
Steelers Hope To Not Miss A Beat Under Mike McCarthy
The hiring of McCarthy sent a message that the Steelers will not be rebuilding, and the goal is still to win now. It is hard to imagine there will be a ton of success early on in McCarthy's time with the organization, but maybe the experienced head coach can work well with the organization to build to something great. The fan base has grown tired, and the consistent years of mediocrity need to come to an end, one way or another.
What do you think about Banner's comments on McCarthy being the new head coach in Pittsburgh. Let me know on X!
#SteelerNation