Could Mike McCarthy convince Aaron Rodgers to stay with Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to hire Mike McCarthy as their head coach on Saturday could provide a short-term answer to Pittsburgh's quarterback question. 

It's unknown whether or not QB Aaron Rodgers would return to Pittsburgh for one more NFL season, as it's long been hinted that 2025 would be his final campaign as an NFL QB. 

However, the Steelers have said that they are open to welcoming Rodgers back to the Steel City, and the history between Rodgers and McCarthy could be a deciding factor in Rodgers' decision. 

“I do believe that if Aaron Rodgers were coming back to play for one coach in 2026, it would be Mike McCarthy,” Tom Pelissero of NFL Network said.

History between Aaron Rodgers, Mike McCarthy 

McCarthy became the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2006, and Rodgers, who was drafted by Green Bay in 2005, played under McCarthy until his firing in 2018. 

Together, McCarthy and Rodgers won Super Bowl XLV and made the playoffs eight times with Rodgers as the starting QB. 

McCarthy's hiring does not at all guarantee that Rodgers will be wooed back to Pittsburgh for a swan song season, but it certainly can't hurt if the Steelers are determined to bring Rodgers back. 

If Rodgers chooses not to return, Pittsburgh's QB situation for McCarthy's first season with the Steelers would be shaky. Even a one-year deal for Rodgers would give Pittsburgh the chance to evaluate their options at the position and build for the future.