Aaron Rodgers' NFL Future Discussed by Insiders, Fans After Mike McCarthy Hired As Steelers HC

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to hire former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy as their replacement for Mike Tomlin, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

That news comes amid speculation regarding the uncertain future of 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whether that means returning to the Steelers, heading elsewhere or entering retirement.

McCarthy just so happened to be Rodgers' head coach with the Packers from the beginning of the 2006 season until Dec. 2018, when the team parted ways with him after a successful 13-year run that included a Super Bowl XLV win.

According to Schefter and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, bringing McCarthy to Pittsburgh props the door open for Rodgers' return:

Rodgers has made it clear he's fond of McCarthy, as he previously Matt Schneidman of The Athletic in a 2022 interview:

Fans and analysts reacted to the possibility of Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh in 2026:

Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin just stepped down from his position after 19 years at the helm. He led Pittsburgh to a 193-114-2 record, 13 playoff appearances, eight AFC North titles, two AFC championships and one Super Bowl.

McCarthy takes over a Steelers team that just won AFC North with a 10-7 record. Rodgers, in his lone season with Pittsburgh, completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 3,322 and 24 touchdowns (seven interceptions). He finished 14th in the NFL in quarterback rating and

Obviously, there's a big question mark at QB1 in 2026 with Rodgers' future uncertain. Veteran backup Mason Rudolph is under contract for one more year. The Steelers also have soon-to-be second-year quarterback Will Howard, a sixth-round pick out of Ohio State who led the Buckeyes to the 2024 national championship.

If Rodgers wants to return, obviously the starting QB role is his, but that's unknown at this time. Pittsburgh also has 12 draft picks at its disposal (including three third-rounders) and/or could look to make moves via free agency or trade.

For now, though, McCarthy appears to be the Steelers' next head coach as Pittsburgh moves onto the 2026 offseason.