Report: Steelers to hire Mike McCarthy as head coach

Field Level Media|published: Sat 24th January, 14:12 2026

Jan 5, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy looks on during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to hire Mike McCarthy as their head coach, ESPN reported on Saturday.

McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, will become the Steelers' fourth head coach since 1969.

He will take over the post previously held by Mike Tomlin, who coached the team from 2007-25 before stepping down earlier this month.

Tomlin followed Super Bowl winner Bill Cowher, who coached from 1992-2006. Cowher followed four-time Super Bowl champion Chuck Noll, who coached from 1969-91.

McCarthy, 62, did not coach in the NFL this season after compiling a 49-35 record -- with three 12-win seasons -- in Dallas from 2020-24. He went 125-77-2 with Green Bay from 2006-18 and led the Packers to victory against the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

McCarthy's quarterback in Green Bay was Aaron Rodgers, who spent last season in Pittsburgh. Rodgers' future is unclear, however.

McCarthy spent four years as an assistant coach for the Pittsburgh Panthers before beginning his NFL coaching career.

Tomlin stepped down on Jan. 13, one day after the Steelers dropped a 30-6 decision to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card game in Pittsburgh. The loss was Tomlin's seventh straight postseason defeat.

--Field Level Media

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