Mike McCarthy. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Mike McCarthy is a candidate for prominent head coach job

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 11:54 AM ET

After a year away from coaching, Mike McCarthy may wind up on a short list of candidates for one available job.

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to speak with McCarthy about their vacant head-coaching job, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, has previously worked with Steelers general manager Omar Khan.

If the Steelers value experience and stability, McCarthy has a history of bringing plenty of both.

Steelers are expected to speak with former Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy about their head coach vacancy. McCarthy is from Pittsburgh, and worked with Steelers GM Omar Khan in New Orleans in 2000. pic.twitter.com/mR3nOMxWCA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2026

He has a lifetime record of 174-112-2 with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys, and won a Super Bowl with Green Bay in 2010.

On the other hand, McCarthy does not really fit the profile of past Steelers head coaches. The 62-year-old is unlikely to be a long-term solution in Pittsburgh, a franchise that has had just three head coaches since 1969. Many initially anticipated the Steelers hiring a younger coach with the potential to stick around for a while, but Pittsburgh may be considering a change of pace.

McCarthy has an extensive history with Aaron Rodgers, though not all of it has been positive. Still, it could factor in if the Steelers really want the quarterback to return for one more season. McCarthy has also been linked to another head-coaching vacancy, but for now, that team does not appear to be strongly pursuing him.

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

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