Mike McCarthy
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Head coach Mike McCarthy and the Pittsburgh Steelers announced Wednesday signing offensive tackle Jack Driscoll to a 1-year contract.
It is fair to say that the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most intriguing NFL teams heading into the 2026 season. Fresh off the franchise’s first division title in five years, a new head coach is in town after franchise legend Mike Tomlin stepped down this offseason after a historic 19-year run. That new head coach is none other than former Green Bay Packers (2006-2018) and Dallas Cowboys (2020-2024) head coach Mike McCarthy.
While on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday, rock legend and Steelers fan Bret Michaels chatted about the hiring of McCarthy, along with his excitement for the upcoming football season.
Mike McCarthy’s Track Record Should Give Pittsburgh Steelers Fans Hope
Mike McCarthy
GettyMike McCarthy was first hired as an NFL head coach in 2006 by the Green Bay Packers.
Here is what Michaels had to say about his feelings towards McCarthy and the Steelers ahead of the 2026 season:
“I’m rubbing the genie right now. I’m bringing it out. I think Mike (McCarthy) is going to be amazing.”
He would then proceed to chant that the Steelers are headed to the Super Bowl. So, it seems like he is filled with hope for his favorite team, and he might be right to feel that way.
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While McCarthy doesn’t have the historic resume of a Bill Belichick or Andy Reid, he has won at the highest level and built what could very well be a Hall of Fame resume. In 18 seasons as an NFL head coach, McCarthy has guided his teams to 12 playoff appearances, eight division titles, 11 10-win seasons, four NFC Championship games, and a Super Bowl victory, which ironically came over the Steelers. Including playoffs, McCarthy has the 15th-most wins in NFL history (185). Among active head coaches, he is fourth.
A Pittsburgh native, McCarthy will look to help take the Steelers back to the Super Bowl for the first time in over 15 years.
Mike McCarthy Goes Way Back With Aaron Rodgers
Mike McCarthy
GettyMike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers spent 11 years together with the Green Bay Packers.
While the jury is still officially out on whether or not future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be returning to the Steelers, the four-time MVP and Super Bowl MVP has a long history with McCarthy. In between the time Rodgers was named the starting quarterback and when McCarthy was let go in Green Bay (2008-2018), the Packers boasted one of the league’s best offenses. The duo would go on to lead the team to eight consecutive playoff appearances, five NFC North titles, three NFC Championship games, and that aforementioned Super Bowl victory.
If Rodgers were to return to the Steel City for his 22nd career season, he would immediately give the roster a shot in the arm just as he did last season. In 2025, he recorded 25 total touchdowns, just seven interceptions, and a solid passer rating of 94.8. Without his steady play, despite a fractured wrist, he helped guide the team to a 10-6 record in his 16 starts. Rodgers and McCarthy reuniting could be a total win-win for the roster and the fan base.