Steelers' Mike McCarthy Could Win Magnificent Accolade In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers sit just about one month out from 2026 training camp under Head Coach Mike McCarthy and a new coaching staff. The front office made great strides to add pieces to the roster for them this offseason as well. McCarthy will have a familiar face at quarterback too that he teamed up with during his time with the Green Bay Packers in Aaron Rodgers. The duo actually won a Super Bowl together in the 2010 season, ironically enough, over Pittsburgh when they bested former head coach Mike Tomlin.

As Rodgers makes his return to Pittsburgh for what he has said will be his final season, the organization looks to secure its first playoff victory in nearly 10 years. McCarthy is an offensive-minded coach that is known to enjoy having weapons on that side of the ball to see a potent offensive output. Considering the Black and Gold ranked 25th in total offense in 2025, it would be a welcomed sight to see them improve, especially given their offseason additions.

However, there may be another goal in mind for the former Green Bay and Dallas Cowboys head coach for his first year in the Steel City. Bucky Brooks, a former player turned NFL Network analyst, recently provided some preseason predictions for some 2026 season awards. One name that made the list was McCarthy, who would add another accolade to his long NFL coaching career.

"This underappreciated, Super Bowl-winning head coach has a chance to cement his legacy with a strong run in Pittsburgh," Brooks wrote. "McCarthy takes over a long-time winner that had plateaued under Mike Tomlin, but the roster still features enough veteran playmakers to make a jump from good to great under new direction. If the veteran coach can get Aaron Rodgers to play like a top-half quarterback in a system that minimizes his deficiencies as a 42-year-old -- while simultaneously prodding Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham to help the vaunted defense regain its swagger and suffocating style -- the Steelers will make plenty of noise as contenders. Inherently, McCarthy could win his first Coach of the Year Award."

While he does have his work cut out for him in 2026, the team has made the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, including an AFC North division title in 2025. 

The roster in 2025 was not extremely short of talent, but it did have its holes and ultimately showed it as they suffered a 30-6 loss against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs. 

Steelers Could Guide McCarthy To First-Ever COTY Award

The front office for the Black and Gold did an excellent job of adding weapons on offense for Rodgers this offseason. The chemistry he had in the past with his former coach who he is now reunited with should also factor into what the team can accomplish in the 2026 season. With additions like Michael Pittman Jr. and Germie Bernard at wide receiver to help complement DK Metcalf, the offense is poised for a big improvement in the upcoming year.

The organization also made some significant additions on defense, including versatile safety Jaquan Brisker, as well as veteran cornerback Jamel Dean. Should both units mesh, the team can achieve another division title and even snap their playoff skid. However, they also have the chance to help win their head coach his first-ever career NFL Coach of the Year Award too.

McCarthy is also no stranger to working with some great quarterbacks, especially the likes of Brett Favre and Joe Montana in his NFL career. For a franchise looking to regain its playoff success, this has the chance to play out as the perfect relationship in the Steel City. The 2026 season also provides the potential for him to win one accolade missing from his head coaching resume.