Radio Host Declares Mike Tomlin 'Awful' After Steelers Hire McCarthy
The June 8 remark prompted national pushback citing Tomlin's long record, leaving on-field results in 2026 as the key test.
Overview
- On Monday, Pittsburgh talk host Mark Madden told 105.9 The X that he believes Mike Tomlin "was an awful coach and had an awful staff" and predicted Mike McCarthy's staff would be clearly better.
- The comment was shared by 105.9 The X and was widely amplified by national outlets, which framed the statement as opinion and highlighted the provocative tone of local radio commentary.
- Coverage pushing back on Madden has repeatedly cited Tomlin's long record in Pittsburgh, including more than 200 career wins, a Super Bowl, 13 playoff appearances, eight division titles, and 19 straight non-losing seasons.
- Reporters have contrasted Tomlin's résumé with Mike McCarthy's history of leading the Green Bay Packers to Super Bowl XLV and coaching Aaron Rodgers to multiple Pro Bowls and MVP seasons.
- All outlets note that the dispute is predictive rather than evidentiary and that McCarthy's early play-calling changes, roster moves and the 2026 season's results will determine whether perceptions of coaching quality shift.