Although Mike Tomlin and Mike McCarthy share similar resumes, their styles and backgrounds couldn’t be more different. That sweeping change provides an opportunity for some on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. During his most recent episode, Ben Roethlisberger offered two names who might benefit the most: TE Pat Freiermuth and RB Kaleb Johnson.
“I imagine that Pat fits this West Coast system better,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast with guest Charlie Batch. “I can’t imagine that that [Darnell] Washington does.”
During Tuesday’s introductory press conference, McCarthy noted he still adheres to the core principles of the West Coast offense he ran in Green Bay. A system that began under Mike Holmgren, though Holmgren had departed by the time McCarthy arrived, remained in place. A system that may begin with the running game but prefers rhythmic timing throws in the passing game, often to the middle of the field. Real estate that Pittsburgh has ignored for too long.
Under Arthur Smith’s system that preferred to spread the ball around, Freiermuth’s numbers suffered, and he posted career-low of non-injury shortened season. Frustration he hid throughout the season, but acknowledged after it was over. His gain could come at Washington’s loss, as he may not be as strong a fit.
While Kaleb Johnson may not be an especially great fit in McCarthy’s system, starting with a clean slate is his ticket to a more successful sophomore season.
“What about the young buck from Iowa? The doghouse? That’s behind him now,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s out of the doghouse. Another year, get to learn.”
Roethlisberger still advocated for the team to re-sign RB Kenneth Gainwell, a key free agent who now has to try to fit in McCarthy’s system.
Johnson’s first year was a lost cause and marred by a kick return blunder in Week 2’s home-opener loss. A full year in the NFL would’ve helped no matter what, but he won’t enter with any possible “baggage” from his rookie year. Of course, a new coaching staff means the risk of not fitting in with the scheme. If Aaron Rodgers wants to return, an idea McCarthy was expressly open to on Tuesday, Johnson must still prove he can block and catch for him.
Pittsburgh’s offense will look much different in 2026 than it did the past two years under Smith. In conception and hopefully, in production. That opens the doors for many who had it shut last year, but that often comes at the expense of others.
Check out Roethlisberger’s full episode below.