Mike McCarthy hired as Steelers head coach, reunites with quarterback Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers appointed former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy as their new head coach after Mike Tomlin stepped down in January. McCarthy arrived with a revamped coaching staff, overhauled practice schedules, and introduced new training‑camp routines, prompting comments from veterans T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward about the shift.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now 42, signed on for another season, reuniting with McCarthy for what many describe as a final run together. Rodgers posted a 3,322‑yard, 24‑touchdown season last year and led the Steelers to an AFC North title, their first since 2020. The offseason also saw notable roster moves, including the addition of wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., rookie wideout Germie Bernard, and defensive upgrades such as Nick Herbig’s four‑year extension.

Analysts have debated the team’s Super Bowl odds, with ESPN’s Kevin Clark calling the 60‑1 odds “laughable.” The Steelers aim to improve on a three‑year streak of 10‑7 records and break a playoff‑win drought that dates back to 2017.