Aaron Rodgers could have a sudden change of heart if Steelers pull off reunion with new HC candidate
If the Steelers want Aaron Rodgers back, they have a clear path.
Following the events that have ensued since the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Houston Texans, the franchise has changed as we’ve known it for nearly two decades, following Mike Tomlin’s resignation.
The Steelers brass is entrenched in finding the next head coach in Pittsburgh and when they do, the next question becomes: What happens at quarterback in 2026?
Well, there’s a chance those two factors aren’t mutually exclusive, and certainly when considering the newest candidate to be the head man in Pittsburgh.
Steelers to consider Mike McCarthy for head coach
As we have discussed, the Steelers will be casting about as wide a net as we have seen in a coaching search. Two candidates on the total opposite end of the spectrum prove that. The Steelers are interested in Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. He’s never been a coordinator, much less a head coach.
They are also interested in Mike McCarthy, who is 62-years-old and has won a Super Bowl. Who was his quarterback not only when he won the Super Bowl, but for the vast majority of his time as head coach of the Green Bay Packers? Oh, that’s right, Aaron Rodgers. He also has a longstanding relationship with Steelers GM Omar Khan.
Mike McCarthy could lure Aaron Rodgers back to the Steelers
As Art Rooney said the day after Mike Tomlin stepped down, Rodgers was in Pittsburgh because of Tomlin; remove him from the equation, and it’s unlikely that he returns. However, we know that the Steelers as an organization, and as a team, wouldn’t mind having Rodgers back in 2026.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers remain open to an Aaron Rodgers reunion in 2026, even though it’s unlikely because of Mike Tomlin’s resignation, sources told ESPN. The Steelers players are more than open to Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh; they want the four-time league MVP back and conveyed as much to various members of the Steelers organization during their exit meetings last week, according to sources.” -Adam Schefter, ESPN
Pittsburgh has the chance to reset the franchise. Some would argue that hiring McCarthy and having Rodgers return is the opposite of that. A head coach and quarterback that are closer to the end than the beginning, some may feel that the duo would just prolong the agony.
However, with the hunger to win a playoff game at its peak and the 2026 QB class, via free agency and the NFL Draft, looking lackluster, the Steelers brass may be inclined to run it back with Rodgers and bring in his old head coach, who I’m sure would be thrilled to take the biggest job in his hometown.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
Steelers have been keeping tabs on one particular head coaching candidate for weeks in preparation of Mike Tomlin’s departure
There is an early favorite for the Steelers’ head coaching vacancy.
