Report: Pittsburgh Steelers working to hire Mike McCarthy as next head coach

The Pittsburgh Steelers are working to hire Mike McCarthy as their next head coach, NFL Network reported Saturday. A Pittsburgh native, he will take over for Mike Tomlin.

McCarthy, 62, spent the 2024 season away from coaching following his departure from the Dallas Cowboys. He amassed a 49-35 overall record during his time at the helm from 2020-24. That includes three straight 12-win seasons from 2021-23, but Dallas went 7-10 in his final year at the helm. That also proved to be the end of his contract, and the franchise opted not to bring him back in 2025.

Following his departure from the Cowboys, McCarthy contributed to The Pat McAfee Show throughout this season, and he also interviewed for the Tennessee Titans’ head coach position which ultimately went to Robert Saleh. But as the Steelers worked to replace Tomlin, McCarthy became one of the prominent candidates in the search.

“We have always seen the Pittsburgh Steelers hire young, defensive-minded coaches,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Thursday on Get Up. “Yesterday, they had in an older, offensive-minded head coach. Mike McCarthy, who is from Pittsburgh, who would love nothing more than to go back and coach the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he does not fit the profile of any recent head coach that they’ve hired, he does qualify and he does bring certain attributes that would help this organization.”

McCarthy’s arrival in Dallas came after a 12-year run in Green Bay, including a Super Bowl victory. All told, he had a 125-77 overall record with the Packers before his firing late in the 2018 season. The franchise made nine playoff appearances during that time and won the NFC North six times.

During his time as a head coach from 2006-24, McCarthy totaled a 174-112-2 record during the regular season. He also is 11-11 in the postseason, including the Super Bowl XLV title with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

Mike McCarthy set to take over for Mike Tomlin

Mike Tomlin announced his decision to step down earlier this month following the Steelers’ loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round. He had a 201-116 overall record with the Steelers, including the postseason, and helped lead the franchise back to the postseason this year. Of course, Pittsburgh also won Super Bowl XLIII under his leadership.

Tomlin’s departure meant the franchise began a search for its fourth coach since 1969. Chuck Noll was the head coach from 1969-91, Bill Cowher was in charge from 1992-2006 and Tomlin took over from 2007-25.

Mike McCarthy’s hire also signals a departure from Pittsburgh’s previous three coaches. Noll, Cowher and Tomlin were all in their 30s and had defensive backgrounds. McCarthy is a well-regarded offensive mind and is 62 years old.