Mike McCarthy. Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

New Steelers HC Mike McCarthy makes feelings on potential Aaron Rodgers reunion clear

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jan 27, 2026 4:27 PM ET

Is new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy open to reuniting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2026?

The Steelers introduced Super Bowl XLV champion McCarthy as their new HC on Tuesday. The coach immediately made it clear he wants his former QB, whom he coached while he served as Green Bay Packers HC from 2006-18, to return for a 22nd season.

Mike McCarthy discusses Aaron Rodgers' potential return next season

"Definitely. I mean, I don't see why you wouldn't," McCarthy said when asked whether he wants the four-time league MVP back next season. "...I watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team."

Rodgers, 42, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers before the start of the 2025 season. He subsequently went 10-6 in 16 starts, tossed 24 touchdown passes and seven interceptions and led the Steelers to an AFC North title.

Reporter: "In your best-case scenario, do you want Aaron Rodgers back as your quarterback next year?"

Mike McCarthy: "Definitely. I mean, I don't see why you wouldn't... I watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team." ️ #NFL pic.twitter.com/mTRMntnHHI
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 27, 2026

The Steelers hiring McCarthy — who last coached for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 — could help convince Rodgers to play at least one more season. Their relationship reportedly grew cold before Green Bay fired the coach during the 2018 season, but it appears they've since moved past their issues.

"I do believe that if Aaron Rodgers were coming back to play for one coach in 2026, it would be Mike McCarthy," NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero said on Jan. 23.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II, however, has insisted the team didn't give McCarthy the job to persuade Rodgers to re-sign.

"We do not know what Aaron's plans are right now, and that did not weigh heavily in the decision," Rooney told Bob Labriola of the team website for an interview published Sunday. "We'll see where Aaron is, and we've left the door open, but obviously, we all have to sit down and see if that makes sense. So that'll happen in the next month or so."

If Rodgers doesn't return next season, the Steelers may give the offensive keys to QB Will Howard, a 2025 sixth-round pick. McCarthy said he's "anxious" to work with the former Ohio State Buckeyes star.

But let's be real, McCarthy would much rather have future Hall of Famer Rodgers starting for him in Week 1 of the 2026 season.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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