Drew Allar shared details about some of the intense meetings he had with league franchises during the NFL Scouting Combine and described the process as “rigorous” overall. However, one head coach in particular stood out for his approach.
Drew Allar Named Matt McCarthy As the Toughest Head Coach
According to Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (via CBS Sports), the most difficult interview was with Mike McCarthy. The young QB made no complaints about the Pittsburgh Steelers HC but noted that the questions were more thorough than those asked by other franchise coaches on specific aspects of the game.
In addition, there were questions about Allar’s birthplace in Cleveland, and he was asked whether he was a Browns or Buckeyes fan. Finally, the QB stated there was no trash talk, indicating the conversation was very respectful.
“I would say Coach [Mike] McCarthy with the Steelers. Weren’t necessarily up on the board when we did it. I like this, and I was explaining a lot about of our protections and a couple concepts he was asking me about, so you know it was really fun though like those are the conversations,” said Allar.
“I love talking ball I’m learning as much football as I can like. I’ve taken a lot of pride in like just trying to be as the highest football IQ I possibly can every year I try to improve on it every year,” he added.
He concluded, “I hope I passed. I feel good in what I was saying. He’s not just Mike McCarthy isn’t just the Steelers head coach he’s a Pittsburgh guy. He is a Pittsburgh guy.”
It is worth remembering that Allar was projected as a possible first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but decided to return to Penn State for his senior season with his sights set on the national title. However, those plans suffered a major setback after the athlete suffered a serious fracture to his left ankle in October 2025, which ended his season prematurely.
Which coach has been the toughest when they put Drew Allar on the board?
Mike McCarthy, as @AKinkhabwala found out pic.twitter.com/p8SxpDZYml
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 27, 2026
Reports from journalists covering the NFL Scouting Combine on site indicate that NFL teams have been tough on Allar.
The QB has an extremely powerful arm, but his production in big games has been inconsistent, leading him to explain in several interviews why his performance fluctuated when the original game plan failed.
PFSN’s most recent 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft has Allar getting selected in the 5th round at No. 144 overall by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns once again enter the offseason without clarity at QB.
Finally, as a native of Medina and a fan of the franchise, it makes sense that his possible recruitment would generate greater excitement among the fans.
