The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. With an aging core and a quarterback entering his last season, the Steelers’ time to win is now. That puts a lot of pressure on Mike McCarthy in his first season as the Steelers’ head coach. Whether he can take them to those heights is the biggest question he’s facing in 2026. The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo believes the most pressing question for McCarthy is whether he and Rodgers can lead the Steelers to “preeminence.”
“McCarthy will now try to infuse an anemic offense with life and better take advantage of the support of the Steelers’ generally stingy defense. Maintaining a quality relationship with Rodgers ranks among McCarthy’s top priorities,” DeFabo wrote. “Directing an overhauled offensive line to better protect Rodgers also carries great importance. McCarthy also must figure out how to get the most out of wide receivers DK Metcalf, newcomer Michael Pittman Jr., and young running back Jaylen Warren.”
For years, Pittsburgh’s defense has carried the struggling offense. But McCarthy, an offensive-minded head coach, could inject life into the offense. McCarthy coached Rodgers during the formative years of his career, and no coach should know how Rodgers ticks better than McCarthy. While Rodgers has certainly proved himself and played well last season, McCarthy can hopefully get more out of him this season.
It’s a last hurrah for the two of them, with Rodgers calling it a career after this season. There are plenty of offensive weapons, including Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard. These new receivers should help unlock DK Metcalf in his second season with the Steelers.
It’s a tall task for McCarthy to help return the Steelers to being a preeminent NFL franchise. This would be especially difficult in just one season, as DeFabo framed the question. But despite being a steady and consistent team, the Steelers haven’t won when it counts. A preeminent franchise wins in the postseason. If McCarthy can get over that hump, something he only did once with the Dallas Cowboys, it’ll be a successful first season.
It won’t be easy, but McCarthy will be motivated to send Rodgers out on a high note. The Steelers also have pieces in place to win now. We’ll see if McCarthy can lead them to heights they haven’t reached in nearly a decade.
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