The Steelers are entering a new era on the sideline, but their biggest question still sits under center. As Mike McCarthy takes over, Aaron Rodgers’ future in Pittsburgh has become the franchise’s defining offseason storyline. Familiar history, recent struggles, and looming retirement talk now collide at a pivotal moment.
Steelers Face Aaron Rodgers Decision as Mike McCarthy Era Begins
Mike Tomlin, potentially facing his final offseason as Steelers head coach, pushed for Rodgers to come in for at least a year. League insiders say the four-time NFL MVP was only willing to go to Pittsburgh to play for Tomlin.
When Tomlin addressed the team to announce he was stepping down, teammates noticed a teary-eyed Rodgers saying, “I’m sorry.” That moment showed just how deep his commitment to Tomlin ran.
After his lone season in Pittsburgh, the rumors split in two directions: he’d either return to the Steelers or call it a career. The speculation lingered until the newly hired head coach stepped in and clarified whether a reunion with Rodgers was actually on the table.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, when asked about Rodgers, McCarthy said, “I don’t see why you wouldn’t … How could you not? I thought he was a great asset for the team.”
Pelissero also revealed, “McCarthy says he has spoken with Rodgers, but knows Rodgers, like most older players, needs some time away to consider his future.”
Does Mike McCarthy want Aaron Rodgers to return as Steelers QB?
“Definitely. I don’t see why you wouldn’t.”
McCarthy says he has spoken with Rodgers, but knows Rodgers — like most older players — needs some time away to consider his future.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 27, 2026
This Super Bowl-winning duo shares a long history, which helps explain the buzz surrounding McCarthy’s arrival in Pittsburgh. After the Packers drafted Rodgers in 2005, he and McCarthy spent 13 seasons together from 2006 to 2018, building one of the league’s most successful partnerships.
Still, McCarthy can’t simply look back on those years. Rodgers’ physical tools aren’t what they once were, and he’ll be 43 by the time the 2026 regular season winds down. The challenges ahead will be very different — and they’ll fall as much on McCarthy as they do on Rodgers.
More recently, McCarthy endured a losing season — something the Steelers haven’t experienced in 19 years. From 2017 through 2024, his teams posted four losing campaigns and managed just one playoff win.
When the Cowboys reached the playoffs for a second straight year in 2021–22, they won their Wild Card game before falling in the Divisional Round. Another point of concern is that McCarthy stepped away from NFL head coaching for a year after being dismissed by Jerry Jones.
As for Rodgers’ playoff résumé, his last postseason win came on Jan. 16, 2021 — a 32–18 victory over the Rams. It’s now been five years, and his two seasons with the Jets did little to change that trajectory. It’s also worth noting that the Steelers themselves haven’t won a playoff game in the past decade.
Those numbers aren’t random — they frame the reality. A Super Bowl run in Pittsburgh would have to be a true team effort, especially with recent struggles tied to the quarterback, the overall record, and the head coach.
But McCarthy’s track record with quarterbacks — from Brett Favre and Rich Gannon to Rodgers — sets him apart. That résumé alone leaves room for optimism.
