The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be one of the more interesting teams to following throughout the 2026 season. That would be the case just because the organization brought in a new head coach in Mike McCarthy, but it is especially true since McCarthy is reuniting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two spent a ton of time together throughout their years with the Green Bay Packers, and they reached the mountaintop of the sport as they took down Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV. Plenty of football fans are interested in seeing how this duo works together in 2026, and it will be monitored closely throughout the season.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers share a laugh during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in May of 2026 as the team gets a workout done in Pittsburgh, PA.
McCarthy and Rodgers had a lot of success with the Packers, but it can probably be argued that the two should have been able to make it to more than one Super Bowl. There were plenty of deep playoff runs, but the duo was only able to make it to the big game once.
Their partnership ended in the middle of the 2018 season when McCarthy was fired by the organization. He took the 2019 season off, and then returned to coaching as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Rodgers' time in Green Bay ended four seasons later as he was traded to the New York Jets.
A lot has happened since the two were apart of the same team. It was often reported that the two ended on rocky terms with the Packers, but they have done nothing but back one another up in the media since their time together ended. McCarthy spoke to the media before practice on Thursday, and he was asked about his current conversations with Rodgers.
"It's been fun." McCarthy said. "Personally, it's been awesome. The big [thing] is really, for him and I, it's how we're connected and engaged with everybody else. I'm not as concerned about being on the same page with Aaron. It's making sure the whole group is connected. Conversations that him and I have are on a level of a coach. Leadership level coach. So as far as how we want to play, getting connected to the particular young guys on the perimeter, I feel really good about what he has already established with the offensive line and the tight ends. You can see that. Him and DK, I thought they showed some big time things you know, just in the OTAs."
The two ended things in bad spot back in 2018, but the two have come together in support of one another over the years since. Their relationship seems to be a in a good place currently, and McCarthy noted that talking to Rodgers is just like talking to another coach. That's essentially what a distinguished quarterback is on the field, especially a player at the position with the reputation and resume of Rodgers.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers May Get A Better Version Of Aaron Rodgers In 2026
McCarthy's offense is something that Rodgers is very familiar with. The offensive system has certainly evolved and been refreshed since the 2018 season, but the foundation of it remains the same. It is still a west coast offense, which is the offense that was run during the best years of Rodgers' career.
The veteran quarterback had a decent season in 2025, but more should be expected of him in 2026. He has more weapons at his disposal, and the offensive line will hopefully be a better version of itself. The familiarity with the offense will help as well.
Rodgers proved that the arm talent is still there, he just needs to be able to feel a bit more comfortable in the pocket. Offensive line play is going to be a critical factor in 2026, and that should be one of the main focuses of training camp and the preseason.
What do you think about McCarthy's comments on his current relationship with Rodgers? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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