Mike McCarthy has spent a long time as an NFL head coach.
McCarthy guided the Green Bay Packers for 13 seasons from 2006-18 and the Dallas Cowboys for five seasons from 2020-24. He appreciated working for two of the league’s most iconic franchises.
However, on Tuesday, McCarthy had a feeling unlike anything he had ever experienced. That was the emotion of working for his hometown team when the Pittsburgh Steelers introduced McCarthy as their head coach in a news conference.
The Steelers become another storied franchise that McCarthy can put on his resume. Yet this one is personal because McCarthy was born in Pittsburgh and raised in the Greenfield section of the city. He also watched the Steelers win four Super Bowls in six years from 1974-79 while growing up.
"Oftentimes, coaches and players put on new team colors, and it takes a minute to feel comfortable in them," McCarthy said. "But, if you are blessed beyond measure, one day you put on the colors you've worn since you were brought home from Mercy Hospital. I understand – and embrace – the responsibility, the privilege, and the weight that comes with this stewardship.
"This city, this franchise, and this fan base mean the world to me – because Pittsburgh is my world. My heart is full, and my focus is singular: to bring another championship to this great city.
Being a Pittsburgh guy certainly didn’t hurt McCarthy’s chances of replacing Mike Tomlin, who resigned earlier this month after 19 seasons. However, Steelers owner Art Rooney II said that the biggest reason for hiring the 62-year-old McCarthy is his long track record of success in the NFL.
McCarthy has a 174-112-2 regular season record while winning eight division titles and making 12 playoff appearances. His crowning achievement came at the end of the 2010 season when the Packers won Super Bowl XLV, beating Pittsburgh and Tomlin at the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
"Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated strong leadership, a commitment to player development, and the ability to adapt and evolve in a highly competitive league,” Rooney said. “His experience, preparation, and respect for the traditions of this organization align with the values that have defined the Pittsburgh Steelers for generations. We are confident that Mike is the right leader for our football team, and we look forward to working together as we pursue our goal of competing for championships.
The Steelers won their first AFC North title since 2020 and made the playoffs for the third straight year this season. However, Pittsburgh was blown out by the Houston Texans 30-6 in a Wild Card playoff game, extending the franchise’s postseason losing streak to seven games.
McCarthy was one of three candidates to interview twice with the Steelers, along with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Rooney and general manager Omar Khan also interviewed six other candidates before choosing McCarthy.
"Mike is a proven leader with a championship resume and a clear vision for building a winning team,” Khan said. “His experience, preparation, and alignment with Steelers' values made him the right choice to lead us forward."
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