Aaron Rodgers’ Role in Steelers Hiring Mike McCarthy Revealed

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Aaron Rodgers’ Role in Steelers Hiring Mike McCarthy Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 20, 2026 2:44 PM ET

Aaron Rodgers is running it back with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing a one-year deal to return for the 2026 NFL season. He's hoping for a further playoff run after last year being eliminated by the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.

While he won't once again be coached by Mike Tomlin, who Pittsburgh parted ways with, it will be a familiar face for the four-time MVP. Mike McCarthy was hired as Tomlin's replacement.

The two have a long history together. McCarthy took over as the Green Bay Packers head coach in 2006, just one season into Rodgers' tenure with the team. They spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay, making the playoffs nine times and winning one Super Bowl.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8).Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

When the Steelers officially hired McCarthy as the franchise's fourth head coach since 1969, there was a belief that it would serve as another reason for the quarterback to re-sign.

On Wednesday, when speaking to reporters, Rodgers revealed he recommended that Pittsburgh consider McCarthy.

"Aaron Rodgers said he suggested Mike McCarthy as a HC coach candidate to Omar Khan just as someone with an outside perspective," ESPN's Brooke Pryor wrote via an X post.

Aaron Rodgers said he suggested Mike McCarthy as a HC coach candidate to Omar Khan just as someone with an outside perspective.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 20, 2026

Last season for the Steelers, the 10-time Pro Bowler completed 327-of-498 passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating. He's looking to find similar success once again playing under McCarthy.

With a coach he believed would be the right fit with Pittsburgh, this will be his last shot at winning a Lombardi Trophy. Rodgers also confirmed that he will retire after the 2026 season, ending what will be a 22-year career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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