The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season came to an end nine days ago, but they have remained in the headlines thanks to their ongoing search for just their fourth coach since the start of the Super Bowl era. The process of finding an organization’s next head coach is not a particularly fast one. When the Steelers last found themselves in this position, 17 days passed between the announcement of Bill Cowher’s retirement and Mike Tomlin’s hiring. We’re currently on Day 8 of the Steelers’ search in 2026; things
are just getting started.
So much about how we follow our team has changed since 2007. While social media and the “NFL Insiders” existed back then, they had not yet proliferated to the extent they have now. Information — and in some cases disinformation — travels at a much faster rate these days, and we are constantly being inundated with updates, betting lines, and hot takes about every last speck of minutiae a coaching search entails.
If you’ve been following this offseason soap opera closely, you’re likely aware that the past few days have seen a growing drumbeat regarding the prospects of Pittsburgh native Mike McCarthy becoming the next coach of the Steelers. That’s a notion that appears to be wildly unpopular across Steeler Nation, and I include myself among those who would be disappointed by that hire. Still, I’ve seen enough distress and grumbling in this website’s comment sections that I think a short discussion about McCarthy’s candidacy is in order.
How serious is the Steelers’ interest in McCarthy?
At this point, we know that the Steelers have scheduled McCarthy for an in-person interview on Wednesday. If it weren’t for the recent media blitz, this news alone wouldn’t be all that spectacular. Casting a wide net for a search like this is just good practice, and talking to a variety of coaches isn’t that dissimilar to how teams talk to a wide array of incoming rookies, both formally and informally, during the course of a draft cycle.
Digging up a full list of coaches who interviewed with the Steelers in 2007 is a challenging endeavor nearly two decades later, but according to this ESPN article from the time, Ron Rivera and Chan Gailey were coaches who received an initial interview, but not a second.
Fans worried about a potential McCarthy hire should also remember that the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review had opined that the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt, was the frontrunner — until he wasn’t — and later incorrectly reported that Russ Grimm had been hired for the role. It’s important for us to recognize that these situations are fluid and that an insider/reporter’s information is only as good as their source. Grimm told media members the Steelers had offered him the job, while the organization has maintained Grimm mistook an outlining of possible contract numbers for a formal offer that hadn’t actually been given.
Still, it would be dishonest to ignore that McCarthy does have more of a connection to the team than merely being a native Yinzer. In fact, he’s had a previous professional relationship with at least two key decision makers in the organization.
Generally speaking, so much of life is influenced by who you know. If McCarthy truly is a “strong candidate,” this is the most compelling explanation for why. The decision will ultimately fall on Art Rooney II’s shoulders, but if Khan and Weidl are vouching for McCarthy, that’s certain to carry sway in his decision.
If this revelation has raised your blood pressure, my sincere apologies, but I wouldn’t blow a gasket just yet. While it’s true that McCarthy, Khan, and Weidl were once working for the same organization, their roles were so different that it’s unclear just how familiar they are with one another. Not to mention, Weidl is scheduling interviews of his own as he vies to make the leap to NFL GM.
A McCarthy hire would also buck several precedents for the Steelers. For starters, all three of the Steelers’ head coaches — and many of the candidates this go round — have come from defensive backgrounds. McCarthy does not. Chuck Noll was 37 when he was hired, with no previous head coaching experience. Bill Cowher was 34, with no prior head coaching experience. Mike Tomlin was 34 years old and, that’s right, had not previously been a head coach. McCarthy? He’s 62 — nine years older than Tomlin is now — and has been the top coach for two franchises previously.
It’d also be surprising if the Steelers weren’t aware that no man has ever hoisted the Lombardi Trophy as head coach for two franchises. In fact, just seven men have led two franchises to an appearance in the Super Bowl:
- Don Shula (Colts, Dolphins)
- Bill Parcells (Giants, Patriots)
- Dan Reeves (Broncos, Falcons)
- Dick Vermeil (Eagles, Rams)
- Mike Holmgren (Packers, Seahawks)
- John Fox (Panthers, Broncos)
- Andy Reid (Eagles, Chiefs)
It would also be relatively unusual in the modern era for someone to get a third head coaching gig. A look at the all-time list of coaches who have coached three or more teams — excluding interim appointments — paints another clear picture of how rare that is.
- Pete Carroll, 4 – Patriots, Jets, Seahawks, Raiders (2025 last year as HC)
- Bill Parcells, 4 – Giants, Patriots, Jets, Cowboys (2006 last year as HC)
- Marty Schottenheimer, 4 – Browns, Chiefs, Washington, Chargers (2006 last year as HC)
- Lovie Smith, 3 – Bears, Buccaneers, Texans (2022 last year as HC)
- John Fox, 3 – Panthers, Broncos, Bears (2017 last year as HC)
- Mike Mularkey, 3 – Bills, Jaguars, Titans (2017 last year as HC)
- Mike Shanahan, 3 – Broncos, Raiders, Washington (2013 last year as HC)
- Norv Turner, 3 – Washington, Raiders, Chargers (2012 last year as HC)
- Wade Phillips, 3 – Bills, Cowboys, Broncos (2010 last year as HC)
- Dick Vermeil, 3 – Eagles, Rams, Chiefs (2005 last year as HC)
- Dan Reeves, 3 – Broncos, Giants, Falcons (2003 last year as HC)
- Chuck Knox, 3 – Bills, Rams, Seahawks, Rams again (1994 last year as HC)
- Jack Pardee, 3 – Bears, Washington, Oilers (1994 last year as HC)
- Forrest Gregg, 3 – Browns, Bengals, Packers (1987 last year as HC)
Just 14 men have accomplished the feat, and many of them have a reputation for not being able to win the big one. Only four of these men have won a Super Bowl: Carroll, Parcells, Shanahan, and Vermeil. Of those men, only Parcells (2) and Shanahan (2) have won more than one Super Bowl, and both did so with the first team they coached.
By hiring McCarthy, the Steelers would not only be subverting their own previous standards, but they’d be hoping to accomplish something that’s never been done in NFL history. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think the Steelers are oblivious to this fact, and I’m having a hard time buying that the Steelers view McCarthy as a source of fresh ideas. Only Reid would be older than him among the NFL’s head coaching ranks.
I think it’s also important to consider where all this McCarthy buzz is coming from. I might not have the ear of any NFL bigwigs, but I do have a degree and career in journalism. Media literacy is something I tend to think I’m fairly well-versed in, and to be honest, I don’t think fans even require the same level of training I’ve had to decipher when some behind-the-scenes politicking is at play.
Tom Pelissero is an insider employed by the NFL. His reporting appears on the league’s television network and website. By all accounts, he is good at his job, and he’s someone who I believe to be a trustworthy source of information when he’s reporting breaking news. However, I’ll point out that there is a difference between live breaking news — things like a trade, signing, release/firing, or a serious medical update on a player — and the NFL rumor mill. And fans should be able to spot the difference rather easily.
Do I think there is a place for rumor mill reporting? Of course! Speculation about deals being made behind closed doors is part of the mystique of the NFL. This type of content isn’t every fan’s cup of tea, and that’s ok, there’s more than one way to be a fan. But there’s no denying that the NFL’s mastery of producing this type of content is a big reason the league has boomed in popularity and wealth, staying in the news cycle even during the months when no games are played. And it makes sense, right? People naturally seek out narratives, whether it’s the lore behind why two coaches don’t like each other, or even something simple like cheering for the undrafted player who managed to become a star for the home team against all odds.
All that is to say, insiders have to get their information from somewhere. To have the access necessary to break news, an insider has to have built relationships around the league. That usually means agents or the NFL executives themselves. When you see a person in the media sharing this type of palace intrigue, it’s helpful to ask yourself what the slant of the reporting is and who might want that information out.
Here is a timeline of some of Pelissero’s past tweets regarding McCarthy, linked below. There were more, including a breakdown of COVID statuses and other bits of Cowboys and McCarthy minutiae, but I’ve pared it down to the most relevant tweets for our conversation. I’ll let you decide if there are any patterns you notice:
- Dec. 25, 2016 — Pelissero praises McCarthy and Tomlin for getting their teams to the playoffs after facing scrutiny in November. “Good coaches/programs aren’t suddenly terrible.”
- Dec. 2, 2018 — After tweeting out a statement from the Packers about McCarthy’s firing, Pelissero follows up with a tweet highlighting McCarthy’s 125-77-2 record, nine playoff appearances, 10-8 postseason record, and Super Bowl win. “No doubt he’ll have interest for job openings in this cycle.”
- Jan. 1, 2019 — Shares that McCarthy declined the Cardinals. Notes that the Jets and Sam Darnold are an intriguing match. “Just looking for the right opportunity.”
- Jan. 9, 2019 — McCarthy does not get the Jets job. Pelissero tweets out an anecdote about McCarthy’s cheering at the dinner table when they found out he’d be home for the 2019 season. Notes he’ll be ready for the 2020 season.
- Dec. 9, 2019 — Pelissero does a nearly five-minute feature for NFL Network on McCarthy and what returning to an NFL sideline in 2020 would mean to him.
- Jan. 4, 2020 — Pelissero, responding to reports that McCarthy will interview with the Cowboys, says that Dallas is looking for someone with head coaching experience, and notes that McCarthy is in the running for four jobs.
- Jan. 6, 2020 — “Mike McCarthy tells me he just signed with the #Cowboys. Done deal. He’s their new head coach.”
- Nov. 23, 2020 — Pelissero does a TV spot for NFL Network where he shares an anecdote about McCarthy smashing watermelons with a sledgehammer during a team meeting to motivate his struggling team the night before a game.
- Nov. 15, 2021 — Another TV spot for Pelissero. Coming off an ugly loss, McCarty once again tries some cooky motivational ploy. This time with a bit involving something called “Monkey Butt.”
- Jan. 15, 2024 —After another disappointing Cowboys playoff performance, Pelissero retweets a report that players haven’t quit on McCarthy. Adds: “Player offering strong support for Mike McCarthy”
- Jan. 17, 2024 — Pelissero shares that Jerry Jones wasn’t going to judge his head coach off the final game. Highlights that the Cowboys were 12-5 and had the No. 1 scoring offense with McCarthy calling plays. “A brutal ending, no doubt, but high expectations for 2024.”
- Jan. 13, 2025 — Breaks the news that McCarthy and the Cowboys couldn’t reach an agreement on the length of the contract for an extension before his contract expired. “McCarthy will pursue other opportunities. He leaves Dallas with a winning record and three playoff appearances.”
- Jan. 14, 2025, 9:33 a.m. — Announces interview with Chicago. Notes that McCarthy has beaten the Bears 19 times, more than any other NFL team he’s faced.
- Jan. 14, 2025, 10:18 a.m. — Notes that the interview will be held at Halas Hall. “An important day in Chicago’s search.”
- Jan. 28, 2025 — With McCarthy not receiving any offers, Pelissero shares that McCarthy has “decided to focus on the 2026 hiring cycle.” He also notes McCarthy has made the playoffs in 12 of 18 seasons. “Expected to be a strong candidate a year from now.”
- Jan. 2, 2026 — In a tweet about the Titans’ coaching search, McCarthy is the first name listed among possible candidates.
- Jan. 7, 2026 — Announce McCarthy will interview for the Giants job. Highlights McCarthy’s winning percentage, 12 playoff appearances in 18 seasons, and his QB development background. “A logical fit with Jaxson Dart.”
- Jan. 18, 2026 — Says the Steelers have scheduled an interview with “Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy.” Highlights his Pittsburgh roots, win percentage, the 12-of-18 stat again, and that he would be “the first offensive-minded Steelers HC in the modern era.”
- Jan. 18, 2026 — Pelissero retweets the previous tweet with a clearly AI-slop-generated picture of someone in Steelers gear who vaguely looks like McCarthy holding a beer in a Steelers bar, with a cigarette butt hovering where his ear would be if it weren’t covered by a beanie. Pelissero captions this with an anecdote about how McCarthy’s father was a firefighter, cop, and bar owner in Pittsburgh. “Now, a true Yinzer could come home to pursue the franchise’s next Lombardi.”
- Jan. 20, 2026 — Once again referring to him as “Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy,” Pelissero shares that McCarthy will interview on Wednesday with the Steelers. Notes that McCarthy has withdrawn from the Titans search — I mean, Robert Saleh was hired lol — and that McCarthy has “turned down other inquiries. He’s focused on Pittsburgh, where he’s considered a strong candidate.”
- Jan. 20, 2026 — Retweeting the previous tweet, Pelissero highlights that the only active coaches with more than McCarthy’s 11 playoff wins are Andy Reid and John Harbaugh.
Congratulations! If you made it through that whole list, you just consumed a multi-year media campaign for Mike McCarthy. I point all this out not to dog on Pelissero, as I said before, there’s room for this kind of reporting. That said, when you lay it all out like this, it becomes pretty apparent that McCarthy and/or his representation are sources for him.
This doesn’t tell us one way or another how Rooney feels about McCarthy, but it does demonstrate that McCarthy has often used the media to present himself as a desired candidate.
As for why I don’t think McCarthy makes much sense for Pittsburgh, look no further than his most recent playoff trips with a talented Cowboys roster.
Looking at those results, it’s hard not to view a potential McCarthy hire as replacing Tomlin with a similar, and older, version of Tomlin. Both have astounding regular-season records and several playoff appearances. However, both have a lackluster track record in the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl. McCarthy has gone 6-9 in the playoffs since winning it all. After starting his career 3-1 in the playoffs, Tomlin had one more conference championship in him, but went 5-11 during the rest of his Pittsburgh tenure. Tomlin at least has the excuse of not having a good quarterback in the years since Ben Roethlisberger’s arm injury. McCarthy’s two quarterbacks have been Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott.
What makes Pittsburgh think he could coax a championship out of present-day Rodgers, assuming that is one of the main reasons for hiring him? And frankly, what would be the purpose of running back this Steelers roster? What title window is ownership seeing that the rest of us so clearly don’t envision?
I wouldn’t be against the Steelers bringing McCarthy on to be some kind of offensive analyst. The Steelers have one of the smallest staffs in the NFL, and while I’m not overly optimistic about the prospects of McCarthy as a head coach, I do think he has valuable insights he could provide for an NFL team. Whether or not he’s open to that idea remains to be seen.
So, will McCarthy be the Steelers’ next head coach? I highly doubt it. And if the recent reporting had you worried about it, as I’ve seen some of you express in the comments, I hope I was able to alleviate some of that anxiety for you. And if McCarthy does end up as Pittsburgh’s coach? Get in the comments, and like Akon, you can put the blame on me for misguiding you.
Would you want Mike McCarthy as Pittsburgh’s next head coach? Am I crazy for thinking this is all just a smokescreen? Let us know in the comments. And be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
