New Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy Is Already Seriously Transforming QB Will Howard

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now in their first week of Organized Team Activities, only this time, it's being run by a new coaching staff. Instead of Mike Tomlin, it's now Mike McCarthy's team, a big change for the franchise. McCarthy didn't coach in 2025 after being let go by the Dallas Cowboys. He now finds himself the head coach of one of the NFL's most prestigious franchises. He brings significant philosophical change to the organization, being an offensive-minded coach. McCarthy even got his quarterback back in Aaron Rodgers, who should be better in 2026 with a new and improved offense. 

Over his career, McCarthy has built up a reputation as a quarterback guru. Helping develop multiple quarterbacks into elite signal-callers, with Rodgers being the most iconic. Now in Pittsburgh, he has two young quarterbacks that he will look to do the same with: Will Howard and Drew Allar. Allar will likely see somewhat of a redshirt season as a rookie third-round pick, but Howard finds himself battling for the team's QB2 spot, alongside proven backup Mason Rudolph. They are all under a new coach who specializes in their position, which means things may need to be done differently. 

Following the team's second day of OTAs, Howard spoke to the media about his experience with McCarthy so far. He absolutely gushed over McCarthy's meticulous style, explaining the detail he brings. Howard is experiencing firsthand how McCarthy built his reputation around the NFL. His quarterbacks have had great success everywhere he's been. Now, he looks to continue this success with the Steelers. 

"It's the detail, man, like, the detail in everything that he teaches, everything that he coaches is so intricately, you know, detailed," Howard said. 

A lot of quarterbacks McCarthy has coached in the past were great at the same traits: footwork and ball handling. Maneuvering in the pocket, or carrying their ball fakes, these are things McCarthy drills into young quarterbacks. Now, he is doing so with Howard and Allar. 

"It just made me better," Howard continued. "Things that, you know, in my footwork, in my, you know, ball handling that I haven't even thought about... It just makes you hyper-focused and locked in on those things that maybe seem minute, and seem minuscule, but really make a difference."

Both Howard and Allar have similar struggles with their footwork. They often show really poor lower-body mechanics, which makes them inaccurate at times. McCarthy should fix that problem for both players. Howard has already had a season of NFL coaching, but Allar is currently being stripped down to the studs. 

Howard will be ready to play sooner, but if Allar can get things figured out, he could become a solid NFL quarterback.

Steelers Will Have A Franchise QB Again

The Steelers haven't had a long-term franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger, and they've had some very poor attempts. Using Band-Aid solutions in the past on the game's most important position isn't necessarily a winning formula. McCarthy will want a young, present and future answer. Whether that player is currently on the roster is to be determined. Hopefully, Rodgers is the last aged-out veteran the team starts at quarterback for some time.

Part of the reason McCarthy was hired was his success with developing quarterbacks. Everywhere he's been, he's helped turn his signal-caller into an elite player. Fans are hoping he will do the same in the Steel City. His first attempt seems to be Howard. If that doesn't work out, it will likely be Allar next. If those two do not pan out, they will have to turn to the draft, likely in 2028. One thing is for certain: McCarthy will get this figured out. If the Steelers get their franchise quarterback, they can finally start to take steps forward as an organization.  

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