Mike McCarthy reveals nostalgic pitch to lure Aaron Rodgers back to Steelers

Mike McCarthy is making a return to NFL coaching sidelines this season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he wants to do it with his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center.

"We've talked exclusively about what a great final chapter this could be for both of us."#Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy tells @AdamSchein he hopes Aaron Rodgers returns to Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/qUtEjksMiK

— Mad Dog Sports Radio (@MadDogRadio) April 30, 2026

The 41-year-old Rodgers played successfully with the Steelers last season in his third season since leaving the Green Bay Packers. He has not officially made up his mind if he is going to return to the Steelers this season, but it seems quite likely that he will be back in the Pittsburgh huddle.

McCarthy was hired by the Steelers after the 2025 season when former Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin stepped away from coaching. McCarthy coached the Packers from 2006 through 2018. Rodgers joined the Packers when he was drafted in 2005 and he became Green Bay’s starting quarterback in 2008. He remained in that position throughout the rest of McCarthy’s coaching tenure with the Packers and the four seasons that followed.

Tomlin, who will serve as a studio analyst on NBC this season, said in his first television interview with the network that he anticipates Rodgers will be under center for the Steelers this season.

McCarthy said he has spoken with Rodgers about the coming season, and that the two men would have a chance to write a “great final chapter” in their association together. McCarthy also made a point to say how much respect the other players in the Steelers locker room have for Rodgers.

The quarterback has played 21 years in the NFL. His first season with the Steelers saw him complete 327 of 498 passes for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

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