The Steelers launched their first HC search since 2007 after Tomlin’s 19-year run ended after the consecutive playoff loss. After the emotional farewell to their winningest HC, they’ve held interviews with a mix of high-profile and coordinator candidates.
Pittsburgh has already interviewed Mike McCarthy, the former head coach of the Packers and Cowboys. He is bringing deep experience and local ties. Along with him, the Steelers also met with Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator and former Dolphins head coach, and are conducting a second in-person interview with him.
The other name on the list is Anthony Weaver, along with Chris Shula, Nate Scheelhaase, Jesse Minter, and Klint Kubiak, who was part of the wider early search process. But insiders reported on Jan. 24 that the Steelers are very close to finalising a deal with their future HC.
Related: ESPN analyst projects outcome of Aaron Rodgers-Mike McCarthy pairing as Steelers target Lombardi winner
Yes, the Steelers are nearing a deal to hire Mike McCarthy as their next head coach. The franchise moved swiftly with the HC search following Mike Tomlin’s decision to step down after 19 seasons leading the team.
McCarthy, a seasoned NFL coach and Super Bowl champion, is expected to bring experienced leadership to a Steelers program entering a new era. While terms are reportedly close, an official announcement has not yet been made. The move marks a significant shift for Pittsburgh and also for Aaron Rodgers, if he returns.
McCarthy’s biggest achievement in his career involves Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers. He won the 2010 season Super Bowl with the Packers and Rodgers. The opponent of that game was the Steelers, who had won their latest Lombardi trophy in 2008 under coach Tomlin.
But McCarthy’s potential arrival in Pittsburgh also carries a strong personal connection. He grew up in the city during the height of the Steelers’ Chuck Noll era in the 1970s.
Now, he has the chance to come full circle and lead the team he once admired, becoming only the fourth head coach the Steelers have had since Noll took over in 1969. McCarthy’s background is rooted in a working-class Pittsburgh upbringing, as his father, Joe McCarthy Jr., was both a firefighter and a neighborhood bar owner in Greenfield.
Even so, this move would break from Pittsburgh’s usual coaching pattern. The Steelers have traditionally hired young, defense-oriented coaches who stayed for long, stable runs.
Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin were all in their 30s when hired, and each led the team for decades before stepping down prior to turning 60.
McCarthy does not fit that profile. He is among the oldest head coaches in the league and would be the first Steelers head coach hired at age 60 or older.
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