Steelers' new coach Mike McCarthy signals his desire for Aaron Rodgers' return, rekindling a Super Bowl-winning partnership.
Aaron Rodgers was vague about his future when the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ended earlier this month.
The 42-year-old quarterback, who is the oldest player in the NFL, said he could retire. Rodgers also did not rule out playing a 22nd season, either with the Steelers or another team.
Pittsburgh was equally vague about whether it wanted Rodgers back for a second season. Though Rodgers led the Steelers to their first AFC North title since 2020, he played poorly in a 30-6 Wild Card playoff loss to the Houston Texans.
However, the Steelers are keeping the welcome mat out. That is not surprising, given that they hired Mike McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin, who resigned after 19 seasons, as just their fourth head coach since 1969.
McCarthy was the Green Bay Packers’ coach for 13 years from 2006-18, and Rodgers was there for the entire tenure. The duo teamed up to win a Super Bowl in 2010 – beating Pittsburgh – and Rodgers won two of his four NFL MVP awards while playing for McCarthy.
“I don't see why you wouldn't,” McCarthy said Tuesday when asked about wanting Rodgers to return in 2026 during his introductory press conference.
Since McCarthy agreed to terms with the Steelers on Saturday, he and Rodgers have been in contact. However. McCarthy does not want Rodgers to rush into a decision.
“Just like anything, knowing Aaron long enough, going through seasons, I think when players are up there at that stage of their career, they need to step away and decompress,” McCarthy said. “The game is so emotional. With what these men commit to, what they put into it, I think that time away is important. I have spoken to Aaron. So that's really where we are there.”
Rodgers had a solid season after being signed to a one-year contract in free agency. He completed 65.7% of his passing attempts for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns with seven interceptions. However, Rodgers threw for just 146 yards in the season-ending loss to the Texans, completing 17 of 33 passes and having an interception returned for a touchdown.
“I was able to sit back and watch the games, watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team,” McCarthy said.
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