New Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy Is Completely Erasing Mike Tomlin Ahead Of Training Camp In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through the most change that the franchise has seen since the 2007 offseason when the organization went out and hired Mike Tomlin to be its head coach. This is the first coaching change since then with Mike McCarthy coming into the fold with his new staff, and there are going to be a lot of changes that the players are going to have to get used to. The day-to-day operations are going to be different in general, but also the practice times throughout training camp are earlier, as is the way that McCarthy goes about practice.

McCarthy has a great resume of his own, but it is still going to be quite the task to fill the shoes of Tomlin. He was one of the most beloved coaches by the national media, but many members of the fan base would probably agree in saying that it was time for Tomlin to step aside. He leaves behind a lasting legacy, but McCarthy will try to get this team to move forward in order to find more success. The organization has not advanced in the postseason in nearly a decade, and that is just unacceptable. 

The new head coach is changing the way things are done. His practices will start at different times, and the team is also expected to be less physical during training camp. Beat writer Mark Kaboly spoke about this on his show Kaboly + Mack on Tuesday.

"I guess change isn't bad, but he ain't easing into this change," Kaboly said. "It's, 'This is my way, this is how I do it, I don't even care.' I wouldn't even be shocked if there is nothing that is similar to what was done in the past. They even changed the name of their weekly program on their website. What was it called, The Standard is the Standard? I don't even think that's the name of it anymore. I think it's Forging Iron or something like that. You think The Standard is the Standard sign is going to be right there walking into the locker room at Acrisure Stadium? I guarantee that sign's not there. What I'm saying is, everything has changed."

Kaboly explained that there are very few similarities between what McCarthy has been doing and how Tomlin ran the team. The new coach is seemingly trying to erase the imprint Tomlin had in recent years. His coined phrase, "The Standard is the Standard" is now gone, which might be a sign that the team is heading in the right direction. The standard hasn't been the standard for quite some time.

Fans had not loved the way that Tomlin approached certain situations over the last handful of years, so it is good to know that they have someone leading the team who thinks the complete opposite way. Kaboly mentioned that everything is exact with McCarthy, and he pays close attention to the details. He noted in recent years that Tomlin became a bit laid back, so that extra attention to detail will hopefully lead to more success.

Steelers Could Break A Popular Trend In 2026

One of the things that was attached to Tomlin is the fact that he has never had a losing season as a head coach, and the Steelers overall have not had a losing season since 2003. The organization does not want to break that trend in the first year after Tomlin stepped down, but there is a chance that could happen. A lot of change is being introduced to the organization and the starting quarterback is 42 years old -- which isn't necessarily a recipe for success.

There is the flip side to that coin as well. Everything can go great, and the Steelers could win a playoff game for the first time in nearly a decade.

What do you think of the changes McCarthy is making? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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