McCarthy Opens Door to Rodgers Reunion in Pittsburgh
Mike McCarthy is open to the possibility of reuniting with Aaron Rodgers at the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season.
Mike McCarthy hasn't ruled out reuniting with Aaron Rodgers at the Pittsburgh Steelers, signaling the new head coach sees real possibility in bringing his former star quarterback to the AFC North powerhouse for the 2026 season.
When asked about the prospect at a tribute event for former Green Bay Packers executive Bob Harlan on Monday, McCarthy didn't dismiss the idea outright.
"It would be a great story," McCarthy said. "I don't know β and I would love to tell everybody about breaking news, but it's really cool to see Aaron at [age] 42. To see a young man at 22 and all of what he's been able to accomplish and where he's at in his personal life and trying to make this decision. I think he's in a really good place."
The connection runs deep. McCarthy served as Green Bay's quarterbacks coach in 1999 before becoming the Packers' head coach in 2006βRodgers' second season, when he backed up Brett Favre. The partnership flourished: In 13 seasons together (2006-2018), McCarthy and Rodgers made the playoffs nine times, compiled a 125-77-2 regular season record, and won Super Bowl XLV following the 2010 season. Rodgers captured two of his four NFL MVPs under McCarthy's watch (2011, 2014).
The timing is notable. McCarthy took the Dallas Cowboys job in 2020 after a year away, posting a 49-35 regular season record over five years before sitting out 2025. He was named Pittsburgh's head coach in January following Mike Tomlin's departure. McCarthy ranks 15th all-time in NFL head coaching victories with 174 regular-season wins and 11 postseason wins.
Rodgers' 2025 Performance
The 42-year-old Rodgers delivered solid numbers last season with the Steelers: 3,322 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and a 94.8 passer rating across 16 starts while completing 65.7% of his passes. Pittsburgh won the AFC North at 10-7 before losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.
Pittsburgh's Quarterback Options
If Rodgers retires or the Steelers look elsewhere, veteran free agents Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, and Jimmy Garoppolo are available. The team currently carries Mason Rudolph and 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard as backup options.
Pittsburgh also holds significant draft capital heading into 2026, owning five picks in the first 100 selections: 21st, 53rd, 76th, 85th, and 99th overall.
