Pittsburgh Steelers Mike McCarthy Makes Stance on Aarron Rodgers Crystal Clear

The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves by hiring former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy to lead the team into a new era. During his introductory press conference, McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, was emotional about returning home. But it didn’t take long for the questions to turn to the elephant in the room: the quarterback position.

When asked directly if he wants quarterback Aaron Rodgers back for the 2026 season, McCarthy didn’t hesitate. His answer has sent ripples through the fanbase and sparked intense debate about the future of the Steelers quarterback 2026 situation.

Pittsburgh Steelers: What Did Mike McCarthy Say?

When pressed on whether he would want Aaron Rodgers to return next season, McCarthy was direct.

“Definitely,” he said. “I don’t see why you wouldn’t… I have spoken to Aaron, that’s really where we are there. I was able to sit back and watch the games… and I thought he was a great asset for the team.”

This is more than just standard coach-speak. It’s a clear endorsement from a new head coach who has a long and complicated history with Rodgers. By calling him a “great asset,” McCarthy is signaling that he believes Rodgers still has plenty to offer and that he values his presence on the roster, both on and off the field.

Rodgers himself had previously hinted that the 2025 season might be his last, but has since left the door open for a return. McCarthy’s public vote of confidence could be a significant factor in that decision.

A Storied and Successful History

To understand the weight of these comments, you have to look back at the 15 seasons McCarthy and Rodgers spent together in Green Bay. This isn’t just any coach talking about a veteran quarterback; this is the coach who was there from the beginning of Rodgers’ legendary career.

Together, they reached the pinnacle of the sport, bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Green Bay by winning Super Bowl XLV. McCarthy oversaw Rodgers’ development from a first-round pick waiting in the wings to a multiple-time MVP and one of the most gifted passers in NFL history.

Their relationship wasn’t always perfect, and reports of friction between the two were common toward the end of their tenure in Green Bay. However, you can’t argue with the results. They won a lot of football games together. McCarthy knows firsthand what a focused and motivated Aaron Rodgers can do for a team. That shared history, both the good and the bad, gives his desire for a reunion a unique depth.

What an Aaron Rodgers Return Would Mean

If Rodgers decides to come back for another year under his old coach, the implications for the Steelers are massive.

First, it raises the team’s immediate ceiling. While Rodgers may not be the same physical player he was a decade ago, his mind for the game is still elite. He can read defenses, make adjustments at the line, and execute throws that most quarterbacks can only dream of. For a Steelers team that wants to compete now and not enter a full rebuild, having Rodgers under center provides the best chance to win in 2026.

Second, it impacts the development of the younger quarterbacks. The Steelers have both Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster. McCarthy has a reputation as a quarterback guru, but having Rodgers in the building for another year would be an invaluable resource. Howard and Rudolph would get another season to learn from one of the all-time greats, preparing them for the future without the immediate pressure of starting.

However, a return isn’t without its questions. Can Rodgers stay healthy for a full season? And how would the offensive scheme, likely to be tailored by McCarthy and a new offensive coordinator, mesh with what Rodgers does best at this stage of his career?

The Beginning of a New Chapter

Mike McCarthy’s hiring signals a clear direction from the Steelers front office: they want to win now. His public endorsement of Aaron Rodgers is the first major indication of how he plans to do that. While the final decision rests with Rodgers, his new (and old) head coach has made his preference perfectly clear.

The coming weeks will be fascinating as the new Mike McCarthy Steelers era takes shape. Whether it’s one last ride with an old friend or a full transition to the next generation, the quarterback position in Pittsburgh is officially the storyline to watch this offseason.