Mike McCarthy shares latest on conversations with Aaron Rodgers about potential return to Steelers

Former Green Bay Packers/Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy was tabbed as the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, succeeding former head coach Mike Tomlin.

McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, seemed to be a no-brainer to earn the job. While with the Green Bay Packers, he won a Super Bowl with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whose future remains up in the air following his first season with Pittsburgh.

During a hit on Friday’s edition of ‘The Pat McAfee Show‘, McCarthy gave the latest on Aaron Rodgers‘ potential return to the Steelers next season.

“Yes, I’ve spoken to Aaron a number of times,” McCarthy said. “I think just like anybody that’s played the game, particularly at this point in their career, it’s important to get away. That’s a normal process that all of these players do, to decompress and step away from the season. That’s the mindset he’s in, and that’s as far as our conversations have gone as far as if he’s coming back or not coming back. It’s important for him to do the things he normally does; stepping away and making those decisions.”

Rodgers just finished his 21st season in the NFL with his third different organization. 18 of those 21 years were spent with the Green Bay Packers, while the other two were spent with the New York Jets. Rodgers willed the Steelers to an AFC North title, passing for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions. If he were to retire, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard would be the two remaining quarterbacks on Pittsburgh’s roster.

Mike McCarthy won in Green Bay and Dallas

McCarthy becomes the Steelers’ fourth head coach since 1969 and hopes to win a Super Bowl for the franchise like the previous three. The 62-year-old has championship experience, leading the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl win during the 2010 season.

In McCarthy’s NFL coaching career, he was the head coach of the Packers from 2006 to 2018 and the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 to 2024. He reached the playoffs 12 times, won eight division titles, and appeared in the NFC Championship game four times.

“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,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said. “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.”

McCarthy takes over for Mike Tomlin, who stepped down at the end of this season. Tomlin was the head coach for 19 seasons and led the team to a Super Bowl win in 2008.

On3’s Brian Jones contributed to this article.