Mike McCarthy Opens Up About Aaron Rodgers, 2026 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 12:44 PM ET

It's been eight years since Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers last shared an NFL field as allies. But while they may be under contract with the Steelers, Rodgers still hasn't committed to playing in 2026. Does McCarthy believe he will?

Speaking at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday, the Steelers head coach said that while he hasn't heard Rodgers' answer on the topic, he's "confident" that Rodgers will play for him.

“I’m confident,” McCarthy said, via ProFootballTalk. “But at the end of the day, it’s a personal decision. I think we’re in a good space.”

Naturally, McCarthy was asked if he's spoken to Rodgers, to which he replied that he has. As for the direction of that conversation, McCarthy said that the two have a good rapport once again and that they talk pretty regularly.

“It’s going good,” McCarthy said. “It’s been very positive, and we’ll just continue to talk. We talk regularly.”

Mike McCarthy “confident” Aaron Rodgers will play another season. https://t.co/8bda0QFvXY
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 31, 2026

Rodgers and McCarthy

During their 13 seasons together with the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy and Rodgers formed one of the most productive coach-QB partnerships of their era. After Rodgers took over as starter in 2008, the duo led Green Bay to consistent contention in the NFC, highlighted by a victory in Super Bowl XLV to cap the 2010 season. Rodgers earned Super Bowl MVP honors in that win and later captured two league MVP awards during McCarthy’s tenure, while the Packers became known for their explosive passing attack and aggressive offensive schemes.

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 16: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers talks with head coach Mike McCarthy during the fourth quarter of a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on September 16, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Together, they made the playoffs nine times, won six NFC North division titles, and reached four NFC Championship Games. The 2011 team went 15-1 in the regular season, marking one of the most dominant campaigns in franchise history. Rodgers developed into one of the most efficient quarterbacks ever, leading the league multiple times in passer rating and touchdown-to-interception ratio, while McCarthy became one of the winningest coaches in team history. Although their partnership ended in 2018 amid organizational tension and declining results, their run remains one of the most successful eras in modern Packers history.

Naturally, the Steelers hope that the duo can once again enjoy that same kind of success - even if it has been years since they did so together.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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