The Pittsburgh Steelers have been an interesting team to follow over the last few seasons. The organization is historic, but it has been stuck in purgatory a bit. The team has won games, but the group has not been competitive in the postseason and has not once seemed to be a legitimate contender. This is how it was in 2025 with Aaron Rodgers under center, and he is returning in 2026. Fans are hoping things can go better this time around, and it will be interesting to see as Rodgers is reuniting with his former head coach Mike McCarthy after Mike Tomlin stepped down following the 2025 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with Aaron Rodgers before a home game against the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 season.
Rodgers has always been known to have a big personality, and he isn't afraid to make his thoughts known. This has led to a certain perception of him in the media, and it has been reported that he has clashed with several coaches throughout his career. This includes some clashes with McCarthy near the end of their time together with the Green Bay Packers. Insider Mark Kaboly was on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning, and he was discussing what the working relationship might look like between Rodgers and McCarthy. While doing this, he let it slip that there was some clashing between the quarterback and the coaching staff in 2025.
"I'm sure last year, there was some head-butting going on," Kaboly said. "Between he and Arthur Smith and Tomlin and whoever. I'm sure there was. C'mon, it's football. Of course they've gotten into some spats behind the scenes that we've never heard of. You think Rodgers is just going to keep his mouth shut if someone is doing something wrong?"
Kaboly did not speak on anything specific from the 2025 season, but he is sure there were some disagreements between the leaders of the offense. This was evident on the field at times as Rodgers would be upset at either Tomlin or former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith about a play call. He also showed a lot of emotion when the offense was taken off the field on some fourth downs where going for it would have made complete sense (despite the obvious gamble).
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stands on the field and watches his team practice during a 2025 training camp workout at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Tomlin's coaching style would have had to drive a quarterback like Rodgers a little bit crazy at times. The coach was always conservative when it came to going for it and hunting explosive plays, and he was always focused on trusting his defense and putting them in good spots. This probably led to some minor disagreements between him and Rodgers, which is completely expected throughout an entire football season.
Smith was scrutinized at times for the way he called the offense, especially when it came to how little he was getting some players involved. This could have certainly put some strain on his relationship with Rodgers. Hopefully that won't be an issue in 2026 with the new group on the sideline.
Steelers' Key Figures Have Important Experience Together
The coaching staff is new for the Steelers, but most members of the group have experience working together, and a lot guys on the staff have worked with Rodgers before as well. This should help when it comes to adjusting to all of the changes in Pittsburgh, and it will hopefully lead to quicker success during the 2026 season.
Matt Becker / Packers.com
Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy (left) and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers (right) go over plays in an NFL game during their time in Green Bay.
The relationship between Rodgers and McCarthy is something that is going to be watched closely throughout the year due to the history with the duo, but hopefully they can recapture some of the magic that they had in Green Bay with the Packers.
What do you think about these comments from Kaboly? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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