The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly expected to hire Mike McCarthy as head coach after Mike Tomlin decided to step down after the 2025-26 season. It’s a move that allows the franchise to maintain a veteran leader for a solid roster. However, the hire decision sparks rumors that it could mean Aaron Rodgers could return and reunite with his former coach.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network floated the idea that the possibility of Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh next season is still in play. Although initial reports have claimed that the 42-year-old quarterback is not expected play for the Steelers again, Rapoport believes McCarthy stepping in as head coach might change that.
“While Art Rooney originally said he believed Aaron Rodgers would not play again for the Steelers, this does open the door for a return.”
If that were the case, then Rodgers would reunite with his former coach during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The two won a Super Bowl together in 2010, and they have 13 years of experience working together. Seven of Aaron Rodgers’ 10 Pro Bowl nods came during Mike McCarthy’s tenure in Green Bay, along with two of his four MVP Awards.
A reunion with his former head coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers sounds like a storybook ending for Aaron Rodgers. As for McCarthy, the 62-year-old head coach has another opportunity to win the second Super Bowl of his career. Considering the club’s quarterback situation is questionable, at best, without Rodgers, could be enough reason for the two to reconnect.
Additionally, it wasn’t like Rodgers’ first season with the Steelers was terrible, by any means. Truthfully, it could have been a lot worse. The 21-year veteran finished the 2025-26 campaign with 3,322 passing yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 65.7% of his pass attempts. His seven interceptions were the lowest he has recorded since he last played for the Packers in 2022.
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