Overview
- Mike McCarthy succeeded Mike Tomlin as the Steelers' head coach and has begun installing an offense Aaron Rodgers described as “stuff that we used to run.”
- Pittsburgh traded for veteran receiver Michael Pittman to join DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard as additional targets for Rodgers under the new scheme.
- McCarthy arrives with a long résumé that includes a 174-112-2 record, 12 playoff appearances and a Super Bowl XLV win with Rodgers, and his teams have produced many top-10 offenses.
- Analysts point to measurable declines in McCarthy’s final Green Bay seasons, including falling EPA per play and passer-rating trends, and they note Rodgers will be 42 when asked to execute the system.
- The 2026 regular season is the decisive test: the Steelers were 16th in scoring in 2025 and fans and media are watching early offensive form, use of pre-snap motion and Rodgers’ production for signs the reunion can restore Pittsburgh’s offense.