Steelers hiring HC Mike McCarthy reportedly wasn't an attempt to lure QB Aaron Rodgers back to the team for another season

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 13: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers talks to head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys during pregame at Lambeau Field on November 13, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)Patrick McDermott via Getty Images

The Steelers' decision to hire Mike McCarthy reportedly is not a recruiting tool to convince quarterback Aaron Rodgers to play for Pittsburgh for another season, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. On Saturday, the Steelers reportedly are closing in on hiring McCarthy as Mike Tomlin's successor as head coach.

To be clear: The Steelers aren't hiring Mike McCarthy to lure Aaron Rodgers back for another season.

But if there's one coach besides Mike Tomlin that Rodgers would consider playing for, it's McCarthy, who helped mold Rodgers into a four-time NFL MVP in Green Bay ... https://t.co/n9ItGhwBRK

- Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 24, 2026

McCarthy coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018. The pair went 108-62-1 together and won a Super Bowl over the Steelers in 2011. Rodgers also won two MVPs under McCarthy's leadership.

After the 2018 season, the Packers decided to part ways with McCarthy and hire head coach Matt LaFleur. McCarthy sat out the 2019 season before becoming the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys the following season.

McCarthy went 49-35 and 1-3 in the playoffs in five seasons with the Cowboys before being let go in 2025 and sitting out last season. Since parting ways with McCarthy, Aaron Rodgers went 29-7 and won back to back MVPs in his last four seasons with the Packers.

After being on the Jets for two seasons, Rodgers joined the Steelers late last offseason. Rodgers threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions despite battling a wrist injury late in the year.

This story will continue to be updated.