"When you win a Super Bowl together, you're bonded for life."
That's what Aaron Rodgers said about Mike McCarthy in an interview with The Athletic's Matt Schneidman in 2022.
A little over three years later, they could be bonded again, this time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers have reportedly made their head coach decision, hiring McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin. McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native who grew up cheering for the Steelers, and now brings a resume rich in experience to the Steel City. The million-dollar question: Is Aaron Rodgers coming with him?
Moments after news broke of the Steelers hiring McCarthy, ESPN's Adam Schefter weighed in.
"The Steelers remained open to an Aaron Rodgers return before they decided to hire Mike McCarthy. This hiring could enhance the chances of a return," Schefter wrote.
The Pittsburgh Steelers hiring of Mike McCarthy just increased the chances of an Aaron Rodgers reunion
Rodgers previously said this season would likely be his last, though his stance changed somewhat after the Steelers' early playoff exit. Rodgers said he wouldn't rush into any "emotional decisions," leaving the door open for all possibilities.
Tomlin's departure seemed to foreshadow a Rodgers exit, but McCarthy's arrival could change the calculus.
"I do believe that if Aaron Rodgers were coming back to play for one coach in 2026, it would be Mike McCarthy," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero told The Rich Eisen Show.
The two enjoyed tremendous success together during their 14-year partnership in Green Bay, winning 100 of their 158 games, plus an additional nine in the playoffs, including Super Bowl XLV, ironically against Tomlin's Steelers. McCarthy helped Rodgers develop while he sat behind Brett Favre, and Rodgers would go on to win two MVPs in McCarthy's offense.
Much has changed since the Green Bay Packers parted ways with McCarthy during the 2018 season.
Rodgers won two more MVPs under Matt LaFleur before spending two miserable seasons with the New York Jets. McCarthy bounced back with a five-year run in Dallas, going 49-35 and winning two NFC East titles, though his 1-3 playoff record ultimately derailed his tenure.
In 2016, McCarthy said, "Let's just state the facts: I'm a highly successful NFL head coach."
And he's not wrong. That statement still holds true today. His .608 win percentage ranks 39th all-time, only just behind John Harbaugh (.614), Sean McVay (.617), Tomlin (.628), and Sean Payton (.630). McCarthy also has the same number of Super Bowl wins as each of them.
The Steelers hope McCarthy can help develop their next long-term starting quarterback. In the meantime, we could see one last dance with Rodgers. Let a young quarterback sit and learn from the four-time MVP, develop under McCarthy's guidance, and then make a transition in 2027.
A McCarthy-Rodgers reunion looks more likely than ever before. The duo that took down the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV might finally have a chance to make amends.