Ben Roethlisberger rips Steelers fans over reactions to hiring of head coach Mike McCarthy

Pockets of Pittsburgh Steelers fans and local media members have repeatedly made it known since this past weekend that they're disappointed Steelers team president Art Rooney II elected to hire Mike McCarthy as the franchise's next head coach. 

During the latest edition of his podcast, Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger sent a strong message to upset Pittsburgh supporters. 

Ben Roethlisberger appreciates the passion Mike McCarthy has for Steelers job

"I know people want this overhaul and this new guy," Roethlisberger explained, per Troy Montgomery of Steelers Depot. "[McCarthy's] a new breath in the sense that his message is gonna be completely different. He bled black and gold as a kid. ...To me, that trumps so much. ...I might take a guy, as a head coach of this team, that has a heart and bleeds for this team more than a guy that is just this offensive-minded genius." 

McCarthy grew up a Steelers fan in the Greenfield area of Pittsburgh. While his homecoming has made for a nice story, that aspect of the hiring hasn't meant much to Pittsburgh supporters who were ready to move on from longtime head coach Mike Tomlin after Tomlin lost the last seven postseason games of his tenure. 

Under Tomlin, Pittsburgh last won a playoff contest in January 2017. Meanwhile, McCarthy went 1-3 in postseason play with the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 through the 2024 campaign. 

That said, McCarthy guided the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title during his lengthy stint (2006–18) as that franchise's head coach. His history of success has Roethlisberger excited about what is to come for the Steelers. 

Ben Roethlisberger calls his shot regarding Mike McCarthy's tenure

"I think people are nuts," Roethlisberger continued. "Give this guy a chance. He's got a proven track record. ...I'm mad that people don't give this guy a chance because he wants this job. I want everyone to call in and tell me how wrong they were in three years."

It remains unclear if McCarthy will convince 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to serve as Pittsburgh's starter for another season. If Rodgers retires, there's a decent chance that McCarthy's 2026 Week 1 QB1 wasn't on the Pittsburgh roster during the club's 30-6 wild-card playoff loss to the Houston Texans on Jan. 12.