The more things change, the more they stay the same. Despite a litany of offseason changes for the Pittsburgh Steelers, none bigger than the team’s first head coaching hire in almost 20 years, Ryan Clark thinks the outcome will remain the same – at best.
Clark offered his ceiling during a Tuesday appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live.
“The ceiling for this team is what we’ve been seeing the last few years,” Clark said. “This team could be slightly above-average. Aaron Rodgers could get this team to nine wins. Maybe ten wins. And you maybe sneak into the playoffs, or you’re fighting for a Wild Card. No one expects this team to compete with the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos.”
"This team can be slightly above average. Aaron Rodgers can get this team to nine wins or 10 wins, and you maybe sneak into the playoffs."
—@Realrclark25 on the expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season 🏈 pic.twitter.com/5C5rc7TYZ8
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 14, 2026
During Mike Tomlin’s final two seasons, Clark oscillated between supporting Tomlin and demanding change to shake up a franchise that appeared stuck in mud.
Tomlin’s resignation took the decision out of Art Rooney II’s hands (though Rooney later said he had no intention of firing Tomlin), but the Steelers hired Mike McCarthy, who has a similar resume. Both Tomlin and McCarthy are veteran, experienced coaches who can lead a team but bring questions about true innovation and the ability to win when it counts. McCarthy has a career .500 playoff record and just one postseason win since 2016. That’s only one more than Pittsburgh has since then.
Clark has criticized that track record before, calling the idea of Pittsburgh hiring McCarthy “delusional” shortly before it happened.
Even with a new coach and roster upgrades, Clark is far from convinced January will look much different.
“This team offensively still has holes,” Clark said. “This team from a defensive standpoint has to get better at the second level at the linebacker position.”
Wide receiver is improved from a year ago, but the team’s top three targets, DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard/Roman Wilson, would have a tough time cracking even the top half of the league’s ranking. The offensive line is improving, but they’re not yet elite. Aaron Rodgers must also prove he can make strides in his final NFL season.
Defensively, off-ball linebacker received no changes despite being a pain point last season. Pittsburgh’s run defense has become inconsistent and a far cry from the steady, stout unit it was in years prior. The unit finished 15th in yards per carry allowed in 2025.
Clark expects a second- or third-place finish in the AFC North and a possible Wild Card berth. Even if Pittsburgh sneaks into the postseason dance, they’ll be quickly tossed from the club.
“Will be home by the divisional round,” Clark said.
Pittsburgh’s been one-and-done in each of their last six playoff appearances. Most recently, the offense mustered little in a home loss to the Houston Texans. The Texans’ defense remains strong, as do last year’s AFC powerhouse teams, meaning Pittsburgh must find a way to get drastically better. Clark didn’t see that happen and expects more of the same by the time McCarthy’s first season with the Steelers wraps.
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