Steelers Veterans Would've Revolted With A Poor Hire Like Todd Monken

The Pittsburgh Steelers have now entered the Mike McCarthy era. Steelers fans have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of training camp, as there are set to be many unprecedented things taking place for such a by-the-book, storied franchise. It’s no secret McCarthy spent 18 seasons as an NFL head coach before taking over in Pittsburgh, and now, his experience will be put to the test.

Obviously, this job means the world to McCarthy, as he got emotional after being introduced to the team. Steeler Nation started to really rally behind him after seeing just how much the opportunity means to him. Though none of that emotion will help McCarthy if he doesn’t start off winning games. He has inherited a fan base that has gone over a decade without a playoff win. That’s just a crazy realization for a team that boasts six Super Bowl trophies.

As Mike Tomlin decided to step away from coaching, he spoke about how important it was for veterans such as TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and even kicker Chris Boswell to experience the optimism and excitement of a new regime. Steelers fans have been extremely curious about how veterans, especially Watt, are feeling about the new hire so close to camp.

Former Pitt and NFL player Dorin Dickerson revealed exactly how he would feel if he was in those shoes while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning. His words hold more weight considering he played for six different organizations in the NFL.

"Yeah, definitely," Dickerson said. "I mean, especially since you were kind of just banging your head off the wall for years. It's the same thing. It's the same thing, and now a fresh start."

As Tomlin sat his players down shortly after the embarrassing 24-point home playoff loss, he explained that he felt it was time to hang up his clipboard and end his 19 seasons as an NFL coach. 

When that happened, Watt and Heyward were notably shaken up. That's why hearing Dickerson speak regarding them is so critical.

"For me personally, if I was like a Heyward or a Watt, this situation would be better than being in Cleveland and, say, like we hired Todd Monken as our coach here in Pittsburgh," Dickerson explained. "As a player, I would be like, 'OK, what are we doing here?' But knowing that McCarthy's track record and knowing he's a winning coach and has won Super Bowls and has just done it before... like, if I was Lamar Jackson, I'd be like, 'What's going on here? We got a first-year head coach?'"

For Steelers fans, this is why the McCarthy hire was so fascinating. It’s not just about bringing in a new coach, it’s about bringing a different energy into a locker room that had the same voice for nearly two decades. 

Under Tomlin, the Steelers never had a losing season, but they also didn’t win a playoff game since 2016. Tomlin felt the weight of that and believed it was time for a new voice in Pittsburgh, something many fans had been calling for years.

Steelers Fans Welcome The McCarthy Era With Hope

The McCarthy era now officially begins, and he inherits massive expectations from a fan base starving for January success. The Steelers are a franchise built on winning, and every season comes with pressure to compete for championships.

However, there is real optimism surrounding this new chapter. The 2026 roster looks improved, the locker room has fresh energy, and players finally have a chance to experience something different. Nobody knows what the McCarthy era will become, but there is genuine excitement in the Steel City about what comes next.

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