When the Pittsburgh Steelers long-time head coach Mike Tomlin elected to walk away following the 2025 season, many Steelers fans were left wondering what the next chapter of this historic franchise would look like. Pittsburgh wasted little time making its decision, hiring veteran head coach Mike McCarthy to become just the fourth Steelers HC since 1969. McCarthy, 62, arrived in Pittsburgh with nearly two decades of NFL head coaching experience and one of the more accomplished resumes among active coaches.
Joe Sargent / Getty Images
New Steelers head coach, Mike McCarthy on the sideline at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin during his time with the Packers.
As of his hiring in 2026, McCarthy owns a career head coaching record of 185-123-2 across 18 NFL seasons, including a 174-112-2 mark in the regular season and an 11-11 playoff record. His career has been highlighted by a Super Bowl XLV victory with the Green Bay Packers, eight division titles, and 12 playoff appearances. McCarthy also consistently fielded winning teams, posting 12 or more regular-season wins six different times while ranking among the top 15 winningest coaches in league history entering 2026.
Still, McCarthy’s outlook heading into the 2026 season has not come without tons of criticism. While his regular season success has rarely been questioned, just like a former Steelers head coach, his postseason shortcomings have followed him throughout the latter stages of his career, particularly during his five-year stint with the Dallas Cowboys, where he went 49-35 in the regular season, but just 1-3 in the playoffs. Several early playoff exits and frustrating losses led some fans to question whether he could get teams over the hump. However, former Cowboys defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, who played under McCarthy in Dallas, recently joined Steelers offensive lineman Calvin Anderson on his own podcast and shared what Steeler Nation absolutely needs to know about their new head coach.
"I played for the guy that’s with y’all, Mike McCarthy," Hankins said while speaking on the podcast. "Nothing but good, positive things... Amazing coach. Willing and able to listen to players’ perspective, understanding how practice should go. I had him for two years. Obviously, he didn’t get the job done against the 49ers. But when it comes to preparation, being ready at all times, and being a 12-year, 13-year [veteran] for myself, taking care of veteran guys at that age, top notch. Seeing him sign to the Pittsburgh Steelers, seeing his press conference, getting a little bit emotional, you got you a guy... Y’all in great hands."
Whenever news first broke that Pittsburgh was indeed hiring McCarthy, the fan reaction was mixed. Naturally, Tomlin was very good in the regular season, having never had a losing regular season in nearly two decades, a remarkable feat. However, it does not erase the fact that Tomlin has not won a playoff game since the 2016 season.
Matt Patterson /Associated Press
Mike McCarthy coaching on the sidelines as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Now McCarthy comes with similar question marks, which is why the hire was not universally exciting. On top of that, Steelers fans wanted to see a true rebuild and maybe even go in a younger direction at head coach. Sure, McCarthy has won a Super Bowl, but he has not had tangible playoff success in quite some time.
Steelers Fans Get Great News About State Of Franchise Heading Into 2026
Still, Hankins does not think that matters. He believes Steelers fans should be thrilled about this new hire and trusts McCarthy’s experience, leadership, and ability to connect with veteran players as the franchise enters a new era.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers’ new head coach Mike McCarthy smiles as he addresses the media during his introductory press conference that took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Time will ultimately determine whether Pittsburgh made the right call, but for now, McCarthy’s arrival marks a clear shift into a new era. With veteran voices already backing the move, Steelers fans will be watching closely to see if experience can finally translate into postseason success.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond.
#SteelerNation