Mike McCarthy is back in his hometown as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”This city, this franchise, this fan base means the world to me because Pittsburgh is my world and it’s just awesome to be back here,” McCarthy said Tuesday, becoming emotional as he spoke at a news conference at Acrisure Stadium.With his family in attendance, the Greenfield native said it’s time to win another Super Bowl in Pittsburgh.”I want to make sure when we do get that seventh trophy in the case, we’ll start that victory parade at 1137 Greenfield Ave.,” McCarthy said, referring to the address of his childhood home in the city.The 62-year-old McCarthy is just the fourth Steelers head coach since 1969, following Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin, who stepped down earlier this month.Is Mike McCarthy a good choice for Steelers coach? Cast your vote in our pollStatement from Steelers President Art Rooney II”I am pleased to announce the hiring of Mike McCarthy as our next head coach. Mike brings a proven track record of success, championship experience, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a winning culture in the National Football League.”Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to player development, and the ability to adapt and evolve in a highly competitive league. His experience, preparation, and respect for the traditions of this organization align with the values that have defined the Pittsburgh Steelers for generations.”We are confident that Mike is the right leader for our football team, and we look forward to working together as we pursue our goal of competing for championships and representing Steelers Nation with pride.”Who were the other candidates?McCarthy was one of three candidates who had in-person interviews with the Steelers last week, along with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.Pittsburgh’s head coach search also included virtual interviews with Jeff Hafley and Jesse Minter, who were ultimately hired by the Dolphins and Ravens, respectively, and with four other candidates: Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero; 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak; Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase; and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.McCarthy’s coaching careerMcCarthy is a native of Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood who led the Green Bay Packers to a win over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV and was most recently the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach.McCarthy and the Cowboys parted ways after a 7-10 finish to the 2024 season. McCarthy’s five-year tenure saw Dallas go 49-35 with one playoff win in three postseason appearances. McCarthy did not take a coaching role in the NFL last season.Before he coached the Cowboys, McCarthy was with the Packers for 13 seasons and had a 125-77-2 record from 2006-18. He was 10-8 in the playoffs and led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title 14 years ago.McCarthy has a long history with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was the MVP of Super Bowl XLV and played under McCarthy for 13 seasons in Green Bay. The 42-year-old Rodgers will be a free agent and has not said whether he wants to return for a 22nd season in the NFL.Rooney on McCarthySteelers President Art Rooney II talked about the decision to hire McCarthy in a story posted on the team’s website.”He is someone who has a longer track record than many of the other candidates, a winning track record,” Rooney said. “He’s been a winner everywhere he’s been.”After the interviews with McCarthy, Flores and Weaver took place, Rooney said “we sat down and talked about whether we had our man, or if we wanted to bring in more people for in-person interviews. We decided that Mike was the man for the job, and so we went ahead and offered him the job on Saturday.”A potential reunion between McCarthy and Rodgers was not a determining factor in the decision, according to Rooney, who added that McCarthy likes rookie Will Howard and has a track record of developing QBs.”And since sooner or later we’re going to be working with a young quarterback here, I think Mike’s ability to develop the next quarterback is something that certainly is important to us,” Rooney said.
PITTSBURGH —
Mike McCarthy is back in his hometown as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“This city, this franchise, this fan base means the world to me because Pittsburgh is my world and it’s just awesome to be back here,” McCarthy said Tuesday, becoming emotional as he spoke at a news conference at Acrisure Stadium.
With his family in attendance, the Greenfield native said it’s time to win another Super Bowl in Pittsburgh.
“I want to make sure when we do get that seventh trophy in the case, we’ll start that victory parade at 1137 Greenfield Ave.,” McCarthy said, referring to the address of his childhood home in the city.
The 62-year-old McCarthy is just the fourth Steelers head coach since 1969, following Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin, who stepped down earlier this month.
Is Mike McCarthy a good choice for Steelers coach? Cast your vote in our poll
Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II
“I am pleased to announce the hiring of Mike McCarthy as our next head coach. Mike brings a proven track record of success, championship experience, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain a winning culture in the National Football League.
“Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to player development, and the ability to adapt and evolve in a highly competitive league. His experience, preparation, and respect for the traditions of this organization align with the values that have defined the Pittsburgh Steelers for generations.
“We are confident that Mike is the right leader for our football team, and we look forward to working together as we pursue our goal of competing for championships and representing Steelers Nation with pride.”
Who were the other candidates?
McCarthy was one of three candidates who had in-person interviews with the Steelers last week, along with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Pittsburgh’s head coach search also included virtual interviews with Jeff Hafley and Jesse Minter, who were ultimately hired by the Dolphins and Ravens, respectively, and with four other candidates: Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero; 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak; Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase; and Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.
McCarthy’s coaching career
McCarthy is a native of Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood who led the Green Bay Packers to a win over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV and was most recently the Dallas Cowboys’ head coach.
McCarthy and the Cowboys parted ways after a 7-10 finish to the 2024 season. McCarthy’s five-year tenure saw Dallas go 49-35 with one playoff win in three postseason appearances. McCarthy did not take a coaching role in the NFL last season.
Before he coached the Cowboys, McCarthy was with the Packers for 13 seasons and had a 125-77-2 record from 2006-18. He was 10-8 in the playoffs and led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title 14 years ago.
McCarthy has a long history with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was the MVP of Super Bowl XLV and played under McCarthy for 13 seasons in Green Bay. The 42-year-old Rodgers will be a free agent and has not said whether he wants to return for a 22nd season in the NFL.
Rooney on McCarthy
Steelers President Art Rooney II talked about the decision to hire McCarthy in a story posted on the team’s website.
“He is someone who has a longer track record than many of the other candidates, a winning track record,” Rooney said. “He’s been a winner everywhere he’s been.”
After the interviews with McCarthy, Flores and Weaver took place, Rooney said “we sat down and talked about whether we had our man, or if we wanted to bring in more people for in-person interviews. We decided that Mike was the man for the job, and so we went ahead and offered him the job on Saturday.”
A potential reunion between McCarthy and Rodgers was not a determining factor in the decision, according to Rooney, who added that McCarthy likes rookie Will Howard and has a track record of developing QBs.
“And since sooner or later we’re going to be working with a young quarterback here, I think Mike’s ability to develop the next quarterback is something that certainly is important to us,” Rooney said.