Pittsburgh Steelers introduce Mike McCarthy as team's next head coach
The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced Mike McCarthy as the team's 17th head coach on Tuesday.
McCarthy is looking to reshape the team after Mike Tomlin's resignation earlier this month. The 62-year-old McCarthy is a football veteran now taking over a team looking for its first playoff win since January 2017. His hiring as head coach is the fourth by the Steelers since 1969.
Here's everything to know about McCarthy's introductory press conference.
Who is Mike McCarthy?
McCarthy spent 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 until 2016, and in that time, he had a record of 125-77-2, and won Super Bowl 45 over the Pittsburgh Steelers with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback. Following Week 13 of the 2018 season, he was let go by the Packers.
Two years later, in 2020, he took over as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and spent five seasons with the team, compiling a record of 49-35.
McCarthy also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers in various offensive coaching roles.
He was expected to sign a five-year contract to become Pittsburgh's coach, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac.
Where is Mike McCarthy from?
McCarthy is from the city's Greenfield neighborhood. He grew up rooting for the Steelers from his family's home on Greenfield Avenue.
"It's time to bring another championship back to this great city," McCarthy said on Tuesday.
Mike McCarthy gets emotional as he returns home
Flanked by team president Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan, McCarthy showed visible emotion as the introductory press conference began, saying how proud and honored he was to return to his roots and represent a team like the Steelers.
"This city, this franchise, this fan base means the world to me because Pittsburgh is my world, and it's just awesome to be back here. I want to make sure when we do get that seventh (Lombardi) trophy in the case, we'll start that victory parade at 1137 Greenfield Avenue," McCarthy said, referring to his childhood home.
Fans react to Mike McCarthy's introduction
While the organization says McCarthy brings experience and stability, fans are split on whether he's the right fit for Pittsburgh.
"I'm excited! We'll see how it goes this year," said Pittsburgh native Roya Marie. "Hopefully, we go to the Super Bowl because I'm tired of losing."
Supporters say McCarthy's résumé brings credibility to a franchise that values consistency and tradition.
But not everyone is sold.
Some fans question whether McCarthy is the right fit for the modern NFL, or for a Steelers team looking to evolve.
"Mike McCarthy may be a good coach, but I don't think it's a pick for the future," Millvale's David Caton argued.
Caton added that his concern doesn't stop with McCarthy.
"Then, the rumors of bringing Aaron Rodgers back to reunite with him. That's more going backwards than forwards. I'd say give Will Howard a try, a good, honest look to see if he's our future quarterback."