NFL Exec Says Mike McCarthy Has 'Coolest Story Ever to Coach' Packers, Cowboys, Steelers

One NFL executive feels "it's the coolest story ever" that NFL head coach Mike McCarthy has had the opportunity to coach three iconic franchises in the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and now Pittsburgh Steelers.

"McCarthy has won games everywhere he's been," the executive told Jeff Howe of The Athletic. "It's the coolest story ever to coach Green Bay, Dallas and Pittsburgh. He grew up there. It's really cool. He's a really good man. I assume they'll play the same defense and same schematics. Can you fix the QB position and get some youth?"

McCarthy coached the Packers from 2006-2018 and the Cowboys from 2020-2024. After a year off, McCarthy agrees to terms with his hometown Steelers after head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons.

The 62-year-old has a 174-112-2 lifetime record (11-11 in playoffs), and he led the 2010 Packers to a Super Bowl XLV championship. He's also guided his teams to 12 playoff appearances and eight division titles over 18 seasons.

McCarthy is clearly excited about the prospect of returning to the hometown team as evidenced by his emotional introductory press conference.

McCarthy's Emotional Intro (@steelers on X)

02:07

The executive's remarks were part of a poll whereas Howe "asked a panel of nine coaches and executives to rank their top-five head-coaching hires of the cycle."

McCarthy finished fourth in a busy offseason for head coaching changes (10 in total). John Harbaugh, who the New York Giants hired after he led the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons, finished first.