Mike McCarthy could begin his tenure as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach by recruiting Aaron Rodgers for another go-around.
Rodgers has yet to decide on his future after wrapping up his 21st NFL season, a decade of which he spent playing for McCarthy on the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy hasn’t hidden his interest in coaching the four-time MVP again, saying during his introductory conference that he’d “definitely” welcome Rodgers back.
McCarthy confirmed Friday on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” that he’s talked to Rodgers about returning to Pittsburgh. However, he’s giving the 42-year-old time to reset before deciding.
“Yes, I definitely have spoken to Aaron a number of times,” McCarthy said. “But I think, like anybody who has played the game for a long time, particularly at this point of their career, it’s important to get away. So that’s a normal process. I think it’s important for all these players to decompress and step away from the season, and that’s really the mindset that he’s in. That’s really about as far as our conversations have gone as far if he’s coming back or not coming back.”
The Steelers waited on Rodgers throughout the 2025 offseason before he finally signed a one-year deal in June. He posted a solid 94.8 quarterback rating with 24 passing touchdowns, but they finished in the exact same spot as 2024 when going 10-7 with a first-round playoff exit.
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Pittsburgh didn’t unlock a higher ceiling with Rodgers, but the organization and its players are reportedly interested in retaining the 10-time Pro Bowler for another year. It’s unclear if the McCarthy hiring will enhance those chances, but the duo won a Super Bowl at the Steelers’ expense 15 years ago.
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