Tomlin shares his view on McCarthy’s new role
Mike McCarthy is entering a new chapter with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and one familiar voice has now weighed in on the move. Mike Tomlin, who spent nearly two decades leading the franchise, recently shared his thoughts on McCarthy’s arrival.
His comments highlight why McCarthy’s background matters in Pittsburgh. But there is more to the Steelers’ coaching transition than meets the eye.
McCarthy takes over after Tomlin’s departure
Tomlin stepped down as Pittsburgh’s head coach on January 13, ending a 19-season tenure with the franchise. Steelers president Art Rooney II said Tomlin guided the team to its sixth Super Bowl championship and 13 playoff appearances.
The Steelers introduced McCarthy as their 17th head coach on January 27. He became only the fourth head coach hired by the Steelers since 1969.
A Pittsburgh native leads the Steelers
Tomlin specifically highlighted McCarthy’s connection to Pittsburgh when discussing his new position. McCarthy was born in Pittsburgh and graduated from Bishop Boyle High School before beginning his coaching career.
His local background also includes work at the University of Pittsburgh. McCarthy was a graduate assistant there from 1989 through 1991 and coached wide receivers in 1992 before moving on.
McCarthy brings 18 seasons of head coaching experience
McCarthy entered Pittsburgh with 18 seasons of NFL head-coaching experience, including 13 with Green Bay and 5 with Dallas. His regular-season record entering Pittsburgh was 174-112-2, according to the Steelers.
His résumé includes 12 playoff appearances and eight division titles. McCarthy also guided Green Bay to Super Bowl XLV, where the Packers defeated Pittsburgh after the 2010 season.
Rodgers gives McCarthy a familiar quarterback
Tomlin referenced McCarthy’s previous success with Aaron Rodgers, now his quarterback in Pittsburgh. McCarthy coached Rodgers in Green Bay from 2006 through 2018, including his years as the Packers’ starter.
Rodgers returned to Pittsburgh for his second season in 2026 and is entering his 22nd NFL season. McCarthy has said Rodgers’ familiarity with the offense can benefit its installation.
Tomlin points to continuity in the transition
Tomlin said there is “a lot to like about continuity” in McCarthy’s new experience with Pittsburgh. He also acknowledged that taking over a new team creates challenges, even for an experienced coach.
McCarthy worked with current Steelers players and staff during the offseason. Training camp began July 28 at Saint Vincent College, giving the new staff an extended preparation period with the roster.
McCarthy will call Pittsburgh’s offensive plays
McCarthy said when introduced that he would call the offensive plays and run the offense. That responsibility gives him a direct role in installing the system and managing Pittsburgh’s offensive operation.
The Steelers’ staff also includes Brian Angelichio as offensive coordinator. McCarthy’s play-calling role is part of a broader offensive structure involving coordinators and position coaches.
The Steelers are working through a new coaching structure
McCarthy arrived with a new coaching staff after Tomlin’s departure. The Steelers’ official coaching roster lists McCarthy as head coach and Brian Angelichio as offensive coordinator, reflecting changes across the team’s leadership structure.
The new staff worked with players during offseason programs before training camp opened. Steelers coverage highlighted new coaching approaches, system installation, fundamentals, and preparation as the team adjusted to McCarthy’s methods.
Tomlin acknowledges the expectations in Pittsburgh
During the NBC discussion, Tomlin was asked about expectations facing McCarthy after Pittsburgh’s recent playoff results. Tomlin referenced teams such as the New York Knicks and Buffalo Bills while discussing the pressure surrounding teams with championship expectations.
Tomlin did not set a specific win total or playoff requirement for McCarthy. He said McCarthy is entering Pittsburgh with expectations tied to the franchise’s standards, history, and championship goals.
McCarthy has already started shaping the 2026 team
McCarthy’s first training camp as Steelers head coach began July 28, when players reported to Saint Vincent College. The Steelers scheduled practices through August before their first preseason game against Green Bay.
The preseason opener is scheduled for August 13 at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh will then face the New York Jets on August 21 and the Buffalo Bills on August 27.
Tomlin’s NBC role puts him in a new position
Tomlin discussed McCarthy during his NBC debut on Football Night in America before the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. His television role follows his decision to step down as head coach of the Steelers after 19 seasons.
The former coach is now working outside the Steelers’ coaching structure. His comments about McCarthy came during his tenure as an NBC analyst, not as a member of the Steelers’ staff.
McCarthy’s past includes success with Rodgers
Tomlin emphasized McCarthy’s shared success with Aaron Rodgers when explaining why he believes the coach is well-positioned in Pittsburgh. McCarthy and Rodgers won Super Bowl XLV with Green Bay after the 2010 season, defeating Pittsburgh.
That history now connects two figures from Green Bay’s past within Pittsburgh’s current operation. Rodgers is the Steelers’ veteran quarterback, while McCarthy leads the coaching staff.
The internet is also talking about why did Jason Kelce punch Travis before getting slammed down?
Pittsburgh enters the season under a new era
The Steelers are entering 2026 with McCarthy as head coach after Tomlin’s 19-season run ended in January. Tomlin said McCarthy understands Pittsburgh’s standards and has the experience to manage the demands of the position.
McCarthy’s first regular-season game with Pittsburgh is scheduled for September 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. The season will provide the first results from the coaching transition that began with Tomlin’s departure.
In other news, Aaron Rodgers played through a hidden illness that the Steelers never reported.
What do you think about Mike McCarthy taking over as the Steelers’ head coach? Do you agree with Mike Tomlin’s comments about his new role? Like this slideshow and comment with your thoughts!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
