Since Mike Tomlin stepped down on January 13, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy. The organization struggled to process their latest playoff loss as the search for the team’s next head coach intensified, and they immediately reached out to teams to conduct interviews with a wide array of candidates. The Steelers have shown interest in coordinators and former head coaches looking for a rebound.
According to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, the Pittsburgh Steelers have legit interest in local Pittsburgh product Mike McCarthy.
"Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy will interview Wednesday with the Steelers, per sources. McCarthy was a candidate for the Titans before withdrawing Monday morning and has turned down other inquiries." Pelissero continued, "He’s focused on Pittsburgh, where he’s considered a strong candidate."
On one hand, it would be cool to witness a Pittsburgher take over the reins of the Steelers, but on the other hand, McCarthy isn't the right coach. The organization needs to bring in someone with fresh ideas about football who is willing to surround themselves with like-minded innovators.
Adding an experienced guy like McCarthy just isn't the right fit for where the team is at right now.
Art Rooney II said he plans on competing each year, and that's nice in theory, but that is why the Tomlin era ended. That short-sighted view of the franchise won't get them back to the Super Bowl anytime soon. McCarthy might keep them competitive, but it won't solve their ongoing issues. His upcoming interview should concern fans, especially if he finds a way to contend for the position.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot afford to hire Mike McCarthy as their next head coach
The sky isn't falling yet on this search for their next head coach—it just feels drearier than forecasted.
The Steelers still have time on their side, but some of the top candidates are starting to get hired elsewhere. There are still intriguing options available, and the Steelers could still hire the likes of Chris Shula or Nate Scheelhaase. Those are the top favorites by most of the fan base. McCarthy is considered by most to be a hire that would disappoint many.
If Rooney is that short-sighted about the organization’s long-term plans, their interest in the Pittsburgh-born coach makes perfect sense. He developed a strong connection with Aaron Rodgers while achieving significant success together with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018. Their best accomplishment was winning a Super Bowl over the Steelers in 2011.
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Reports have surfaced that Pittsburgh would be interested in having Rodgers return, but without Tomlin in the fold, that remains unlikely. Rodgers joined the Steelers to play under Tomlin as his head coach. Without him in the building, it seems unlikely for the future Hall of Fame quarterback to return.
If Rooney is desperate enough to run it back, don't discount McCarthy potentially being a lure for Rodgers.
At the end of the day, this scheduled interview doesn't signal the end times for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it is concerning. McCarthy may have a Super Bowl win, but the team’s focus should be on a younger head coach with a staff that shares their vision. With the next stage in this process pushing forward, time will only tell if the Steelers replace Tomlin with a re-tread coach like McCarthy.