The prodigal son returns to Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced Mike McCarthy will be their next head coach. McCarthy, who was born and bred in Pittsburgh, returns to coach his hometown team. McCarthy previously coached the University of Pittsburgh Panthers between 1989 and 1992. He is the 17th head coach in the Steelers‘ franchise history. He’s replacing Mike Tomlin, who is stepping away for a year as the Steelers hope to trade him in 2027. McCarthy was the frontrunner for the job as soon as it became available.
The former Super Bowl champion head coach has big shoes to fill and a tough road ahead of him. Tomlin has managed to stave off a losing season with his band of misfit toys. It has been an unbelievable experience watching Tomlin keep the team in games. McCarthy will be inheriting that aging team. It’ll be interesting if he can keep them competing in the NFL week after week. McCarthy will be instrumental in recruiting quarterback Aaron Rodgers to return. Rodgers should have complete control of the offense. The Steelers’ defense isn’t likely to change. The organization has taken great pride in building LeBeau’s odd front defense long after his retirement.
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McCarthy has always been a CEO-style coach. It’s appropriate that he’s with an organization that runs itself. However, that organization must find an identity after Tomlin’s departure. McCarthy may help them find one.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Around the North: Steelers announce Mike McCarthy as head coach