Mike Tomlin Mike McCarthy
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made his 2026 NFL pregame show debut ahead of the Carolina Panthers-Arizona Cardinals matchup in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Thursday night. During the broadcast, it didn’t take long for Tomlin to address his successor for his old job — Mike McCarthy.
Tomlin shared a very positive response to McCarthy becoming the Steelers next head coach.
“I know a little bit about the Steelers situation, to say the least. Mike’s perfect for them, and they’re perfect for Mike,” said Tomlin, via Steelers Depot. “Certainly being a Pittsburgh native, he understands the standard that is Pittsburgh, and he’ll embrace that. His coaching experience will also allow him to manage that. He’s got an awesome resume.
“Obviously, the confetti’s rained down on him before with his current quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Man, there’s no substitute for success. Man, those waters run deep. He’s positioned to do well.
“Certainly, there’s some challenges when you come into a new situation, but boy, there’s a lot to like about continuity in this new experience for him.”
The Steelers hired McCarthy on January 24. That was about a week and a half after Tomlin resigned following 19 seasons.
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