Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has had plenty to say recently and didn’t hesitate to defend the team’s decision to hire Mike McCarthy as the next head coach, pushing back against the early questions surrounding the move.
Since the hire became official, reaction across the fanbase has been mixed, with some questioning McCarthy’s playoff results and others unsure about the franchise hiring someone they’re comparing to Mike Tomlin. Roethlisberger, however, made it clear he views the decision far differently.
“I know he's coached a lot of places, but you're telling me he doesn't have Black and Gold in there?” Roethlisberger said, per Marca. “He's going to understand the Steeler way.”
McCarthy’s ties in the NFL, coaching some of the biggest franchises ever, convinced the legend that the fit goes beyond just the base view. In his view, the hire aligns more with Steelers tradition than fans who don’t like the move want to admit.
“I've been really amazed at the outpouring of disbelief and the 'Why are we doing this? What an awful hire.' This, that, and the other,” Roethlisberger continued. “And I'm sitting there scratching my head at some of the people that are saying this because I think this is a great hire.”
That perspective carries weight coming from a player who many view as one of the best in Pittsburgh history and understands both the culture and pressure that come with the job.
Most notably, Roethlisberger highlighted what he believes is the most important change of all, which was somewhat of a shot at former head coach Mike Tomlin.
“We finally have an offensive-minded coach in here, that we've never had. ... I'm so excited for an offensive-minded coach, because I think we have to score more than six points in a playoff game.”
Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles in recent postseason showings have become impossible to ignore, with just brutal play on that side of the football.
While questions remain about the roster and quarterback position, Roethlisberger believes the change will matter. Hopefully, for all Steelers fans, that will end up being the case and this team starts to win again.