Mike McCarthy was recently hired to replace Mike Tomlin as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach. One of the first major decisions he will need to make in his new role is picking an offensive coordinator to replace Arthur Smith. He has reportedly already missed out on one of his top candidates, who is no longer an option, despite officially interviewing for the job.
Mike McCarthy Loses a Top Candidate to Become Steelers Offensive Coordinator in 2026
The Steelers will have a new head coach for the first time in two decades beginning in the 2026 NFL season. Tomlin decided to step down from his position following their loss to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round of this year’s playoffs, and Pittsburgh hired McCarthy to replace him.
Smith had been serving as their offensive coordinator for each of the past two seasons, but he departed to join the Ohio State Buckeyes in college football. This means their new head coach, who profiles as an offensive specialist, will be tasked with replacing him.
New Orleans Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien reportedly emerged as one of their top candidates and recently interviewed for the open position. He is no longer in the mix to fill the role, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
“He was viewed as a top candidate for the job, but will remain with Kellen Moore to continue developing Tyler Shough,” reported Schultz.
Sources: #Saints QBs coach Scott Tolzien plans to remain in New Orleans after interviewing for the #Steelers OC job.
He was viewed as a top candidate for the job, but will remain with Kellen Moore to continue developing Tyler Shough. pic.twitter.com/lVah6Y11L7
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 3, 2026
Tolzien has been working under head coach Kellen Moore and played a role in the growing success of their rookie quarterback, Tyler Shough. His development is likely one of the biggest reasons why he increased his chances of landing the Steelers’ offensive coordinator role, but he will apparently remain with the Saints.
Shough finished his rookie season ranked 23rd among all quarterbacks in the PFSN NFL QB Impact Rankings, six spots better than Aaron Rodgers in his first year with the Steelers. It’s unclear at this point whether the veteran will return to Pittsburgh, but a reunion with McCarthy would be an interesting development.
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McCarthy and Rodgers won a Super Bowl ring together during their time with the Green Bay Packers, so they may want to take a stab at replicating this success as a duo.
Neither of them has returned to the big game, let alone won one, since they’ve gone their separate ways. Though there have been past rumors of a fractured relationship between them, maybe they’re better together than apart.
