Steelers interview Mike McCarthy for head coach job after Mike Tomlin exit

The Pittsburgh Steelers have begun a new chapter after the surprise exit of long-time head coach Mike Tomlin. On Wednesday, the franchise confirmed that it interviewed former Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy for the vacant head coaching position, marking a major step in their search for a new leader.

Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons in charge, ending one of the longest and most stable coaching tenures in NFL history. His departure has left a huge void in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers are now carefully evaluating experienced names as they look to reset their direction.

Mike McCarthy enters the race

Mike McCarthy is a familiar name in NFL circles. The 60-year-old coach previously led the Green Bay Packers for 13 seasons, winning Super Bowl XLV in 2010. He later spent five seasons as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys before parting ways with the team in 2024.

McCarthy is also a Pittsburgh native, which adds an emotional layer to his candidacy. For him, the opportunity to return home and coach the Steelers would be a special one. According to reports, he is now one of the few candidates to receive an in-person interview, showing that the franchise is taking him seriously.

The Steelers had already interviewed Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores earlier this week. They have also completed several virtual interviews with coordinators from across the league, including Ejiro Evero, Jesse Minter and Chris Shula.

Why Mike McCarthy makes sense for Pittsburgh

One of the biggest reasons McCarthy is in the mix is his experience. After nearly two decades of stability under Tomlin, the Steelers may prefer a proven coach rather than a first-time head coach.



McCarthy brings a career record of 174-112-2 and has coached in 11 playoff games. More importantly, he has worked with elite quarterbacks and managed high-pressure locker rooms, something the Steelers value highly.

There is also growing talk about a possible reunion with Aaron Rodgers. McCarthy coached Rodgers in Green Bay for over a decade, and the two won a Super Bowl together. With Pittsburgh still searching for a long-term answer at quarterback, that connection could play a role in the final decision.

The timing of this hire is critical. The Steelers are in a tough AFC North division that includes Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. They are also not in a strong draft position to immediately land a franchise quarterback.

As ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted, Pittsburgh is in “quarterback purgatory,” and the next head coach will need to guide the team through a difficult transition phase.

For now, McCarthy is clearly in play, but no final decision has been made. The Steelers are expected to continue interviews over the coming days before narrowing their shortlist.

After nearly 20 years of Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh now faces one of the most important coaching decisions in its history. Whether it turns to Mike McCarthy or another candidate, the choice will shape the franchise’s future for years to come.



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