New Steelers Coach Mike McCarthy Reveals Ongoing Conversations with Aaron Rodgers

Mike McCarthy is looking forward to working with Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh if the veteran quarterback decides to return for the 2026 season.

New Steelers Coach Mike McCarthy Reveals Ongoing Conversations with Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

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Since the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as the new head coach, there’s a big possibility that Aaron Rodgers might return to play for the 2026 NFL season. McCarthy hinted as much while appearing on the latest episode of the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN.

Rodgers and McCarthy have known each other since their days with the Green Bay Packers. During their 13 years together in Wisconsin, the pair won a Super Bowl and earned numerous accolades before going their separate ways.

McCarthy took the Dallas job, where he achieved moderate success. Rodgers’ relocation to the Big Apple didn’t pan out the way he had hoped. Following two challenging years, he joined the Steelers and led them to a wildcard round appearance.

The outcome spelled the end of Mike Tomlin‘s tenure. Pittsburgh’s search for a new head coach led them to McCarthy. With McCarthy now on board, the Steelers should also ask Rodgers to play quarterback for another year.

Mike McCarthy is keeping in touch with Aaron Rodgers

McCarthy stayed away from football for one year after departing from the Cowboys. He quickly became one of the prime candidates for a coaching job in the current cycle.

New Steelers Coach Mike McCarthy Reveals Ongoing Conversations with Aaron Rodgers
Mike McCarthy (Image via IMAGO)

After Tomlin left, the Steelers interviewed a few candidates but settled on McCarthy, who is from Pittsburgh and received his coaching education at the University of Pittsburgh. After officially taking charge earlier this week, McCarthy showed up on ESPN to speak with McAfee and his crew.

Of course, the former punter didn’t hesitate to ask about Rodgers and his intentions of running it back in 2026. McCarthy mentioned he’s spoken with the veteran quarterback several times in recent days, but expects Rodgers to take a break before making his decision.

I think, like anybody who’s played the game for a long time [like Aaron], particularly at this point in their career, it’s important to get away. That’s a normal process. It’s important for all these players to decompress and step away from the season. That’s really the mindset [Aaron’s] in, and that’s really as far as our conversations have gone about whether he’s coming back or not.

Mike McCarthy told McAfee

If Rodgers declines to comeback then McCarthy and the Steelers have to work with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. McCarthy is especially excited to coach Howard, having followed him since his college days at Ohio State.

[Howard is] someone I thought really came on strong at Ohio State. I’m anxious to work with him. It’d be great to have Aaron back, but Will and Mason [Rudolph] — I’m really excited to get started with those guys.

A surprising NFC team has shown interest in Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers played all but one game for the Steelers i the 2025 season. He racked up 3322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just 7 picks. These numbers clearly signal that the 42-year-old can still sling the football.

After witnessing Rodgers’ masterclass, the Minnesota Vikings have reignited their interest in the 4x NFL MVP. The Vikings were among the few teams, alongside the Giants and the Steelers, that wanted to sign Rodgers during the last offseason.

Sam Darnold is another name who had won over the Skol by leading the Vikings to a 14-3 finish in 2024. However, the front office dropped pursuing both athletes and opted to rely on ex-Michigan star JJ McCarthy.

Minnesota is back in the mix once again after finishing at the bottom of the NFC North. McCarthy couldn’t handle the heat of the NFL and picked up a long-term injury. This led to the Vikings firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

The Vikings are built to thrive in the postseason; all they’re missing is a solid quarterback. And there are few better than Rodgers.

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