Steelers' Brass Is About To Be Under A Lot Of Heat Following Risky Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers went through some major changes for the first time in nearly two decades after former head coach Mike Tomlin decided to step down after his team was embarrassed in the postseason for the third consecutive season. The Steelers had a previous trend when it came to hiring head coaches, and it seemed to work. The franchise typically went after young, first-time head coaches that had a defensive mindset. The organization went in the complete opposite direction this time around as the franchise went out and hired Mike McCarthy, who is now in his third spot as a head coach in the league.

Many within the fan base seemed to be fairly skeptical after the organization hired McCarthy, but fans have come around on the hire. He knows how to run an efficient offense, and he is also known for his background in developing the quarterback position, which is something the Steelers will absolutely need help with in the near future. In the meantime, Aaron Rodgers will be lining up under center. Rodgers and McCarthy had a ton of success during their time together with the Green Bay Packers, but Rodgers is now 42 and McCarthy is in his third stint as a head coach in the NFL.

There are obviously some doubters about this duo for the 2026 season, and that is completely fair. Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, and he believes General Manager Omar Khan and Team President and Owner Art Rooney II opened themselves up to a ton of criticism if the season does not go well.

"I think they'll point it more towards the administration, Art and Omar, than towards McCarthy," Whaley explained. "Because ultimately, those two made the decision to go with McCarthy. But the decision to have McCarthy come on and be the next head coach was Art and Omar's. So, I think all of that vitriol would be pointed towards them instead of McCarthy."

Whaley was on the radio show and the topic of a failed season in 2026 had come up, and he mainly believes that most of the criticism would go towards the brass. This would be because of the decision to wait for Rodgers once again, rather than throwing in the towel on a season and just allowing the start of the rebuild to take shape.

Reuniting McCarthy and Rodgers does seem like an absolute gimmick, but it is important to note that the organization had legitimate reasons for going after both of them. The organization has struggled at quarterback and needs to find its quarterback of the future, and McCarthy has experience scouting and developing young players at the position. He also brings along a fresh offensive system. Rodgers was arguably the best available quarterback for the Steelers to go after during the 2026 offseason. Taking a swing on Malik Willis or someone along those lines likely would have been irresponsible.

Rodgers has already committed to retiring after the 2026 season, so that means the Steelers will be searching for their next franchise quarterback. That player may already be on the roster, but it is important to have McCarthy in the organization while that gets figured out.

Steelers Are Facing A Ton Of Pressure In 2026

Not only do the Steelers need to have a successful season in 2026 so Khan and Rooney don't get slandered by the fan base and in the media, but the organization also has a bit of pride to protect. It has not had a losing season since 2003, and Tomlin never had one once. Having one in the first season after him stepping down from his role as head coach would be embarrassing, so there is some added pressure in that regard.

What do you think about the pressure Khan and Rooney are facing in 2026? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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