Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II didn't mince words during his recent press conference. He explicitly stated that quarterback Aaron Rodgers joined the club to play for head coach Mike Tomlin, who stepped down from his post.
Tomlin's exit after nearly two decades at the helm had many bracing for several veterans to follow suit, with Rodgers being among them. The latter has openly pondered his future, leading many to believe he could retire this offseason. Yet, recent developments regarding Pittsburgh's search for the former's replacement may change the calculus.
Mike McCarthy is reportedly considered a "strong candidate" for the opening in Pittsburgh. His prolific résumé, which includes a Super Bowl XLV victory over the Steelers, speaks for itself. But perhaps most notably, he and Rodgers spent over a decade together, fueling speculation of a potential reunion.
However, hiring McCarthy to run it back with Rodgers would only delay the inevitable for the Steelers: a long-overdue rebuild.
Pittsburgh Steelers' potential Mike McCarthy-Aaron Rodgers reunion would only prolong the much-needed teardown
McCarthy and Rodgers were among the most successful duos in NFL history during their 13-year overlap with the Green Bay Packers. Only three teams won more games during that stretch, including Pittsburgh. This type of pedigree can be hard to ignore, especially for a storied franchise that strives to compete annually, though the Steelers must steer clear.
Rodgers is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, assuming he doesn't choose to retire. Otherworldly arm talent and football IQ allow him to remain a functional signal-caller. Nevertheless, diminished mobility and an unwillingness to deviate from his notoriously slow-paced offensive approach and preference to not use pre-snap motion present a clear ceiling.
Short-term outlook aside, Tomlin's decision to walk away on his own accord gave the Steelers a lifeline. It's a chance to start fresh rather than continuing to ride the treadmill of mediocrity and expecting better results. Pittsburgh can finally fully lean into a youth movement to better position itself for the future; that becomes a moot point if Rodgers and McCarthy.
The Steelers have kicked the can of a teardown down the road for long enough to maintain their "standard." A McCarthy-Rodgers partnership in 2026 would be the latest example. Be that as it may, sometimes, you have to take one step back to take two steps forward.