The Pittsburgh Steelers are in unfamiliar territory. They had to hire a new head coach for the first time in 19 years after their legendary coach, Mike Tomlin, stepped away from coaching. After interviewing candidates, they chose Pittsburgh native and Super Bowl champion Mike McCarthy as the leader of the new era.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was far from amused by the hire and ripped Pittsburgh owner Art Rooney II for choosing McCarthy.
McCarthy Hire Draws Immediate Fire From Stephen A. Smith
McCarthy is now on his third team as an NFL head coach. After spending 13 years in Green Bay and five in Dallas, he’s been given another chance. He’s only won the big game once and is an aging head coach, while the league is shifting toward hiring younger, up-and-coming minds. Because of this, Smith is not a fan of this at all and feels for the fanbase in Pittsburgh.
“I’m just looking at this man here, I’m talking about Art Rooney and the quotes. You’ve given the Pittsburgh Steeler fanbase nothing to be excited about,” said Smith.
Steelers fans have been itching for change. Now, they’ve got it, but analysts like Smith think this won’t be enough to get them out of their recent period of mediocrity. Sure, they make the playoffs, but they are sitting on the couches or heading on family vacations after their first game anyway.
Smith doesn’t see times changing, and the Steelers will be stuck in the mud under McCarthy. It’s time for Rooney to look himself in the mirror and realize he’s letting his fanbase down.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” Smith said. “You’re talking about a man born on third base thinking he hit a triple. What the hell is that? You don’t talk to Steeler Nation like that. Their loyalty, their dedication, their commitment to you. They didn’t deserve better than an answer like that?”
The Steelers have tried almost any solution at quarterback to replace their franchise legend, Ben Roethlisberger, even bringing in four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Destiny arrived, as the Steelers barely won the division and were dismantled in the playoffs. The Steelers had their best offense of the past few years, ranking 14th in PFSN’s Offense Impact score.
Rodgers is familiar with McCarthy, having spent many years with him in Green Bay. A return is still in play, but the problem remains. Is Rodgers the answer? Probably not, but it’s hard to point to a quarterback who can offer a significant upgrade.
The Steelers have a lot to figure out, and Smith is going right after the guy at the top. McCarthy is a safe hire, given that Smith and others were hoping they’d take a swing for the fences after having the consistent Tomlin for many years. Comfort played a role in Rooney’s decision, and it’s putting a target on his back.
