Mike McCarthy has recently taken the reins as the fourth head coach in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a significant milestone for the Pittsburgh-native who once worked as a toll collector on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. However, the announcement has garnered mixed reactions from fans, many of whom express skepticism due to McCarthy’s previous record of being unable to capitalize on strong seasons with the teams he coached.
McCarthy boasts an impressive overall coaching record, with 18 seasons in the NFL leading both the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, finishing with a career mark of 174 wins, 112 losses, and 2 ties. Nevertheless, his playoff performance, which stands at 11 wins and 11 losses, has drawn criticism. While he has proven effective during the regular season, many believe he has not translated that success into deep playoff runs.
Yet, Cris Carter, former NFL star and current analyst, offers a contrasting viewpoint. He believes that outside of John Harbaugh, McCarthy was the ideal choice for the Steelers, praising his extensive experience working with talented quarterbacks and positively influencing their play. “If I can’t get John Harbaugh, I think that McCarthy is the second for this job in Pittsburgh, being a Pittsburgh guy,” Carter stated on Fully Loaded. He highlighted how McCarthy has consistently elevated the performance of quarterbacks throughout his career, including legends like Joe Montana during his early days as an offensive quality control assistant with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Carter also pointed to Dak Prescott’s development under McCarthy’s guidance, noting that the quarterback made a Pro Bowl appearance and led the Cowboys to the playoffs multiple times during their time together. This raises hope that McCarthy’s hiring could yield similar benefits for the Steelers’ future offensive strategies.
Adding another layer to the conversation, Carter suggested that the Steelers should consider trading for Malik Willis, the backup quarterback currently with Green Bay. Willis, who impressed during the 2022 NFL Draft and has shown potential during his time with the Titans and now the Packers, could provide a fresh direction for the team’s quarterback situation following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. Carter advocated for this move, emphasizing the need for a new approach in how the Steelers acquire quarterbacks.
As Pittsburgh contemplates its future with McCarthy at the helm, the uncertain status of Aaron Rodgers also looms large. If Rodgers decides to extend his career, it’s likely the Steelers would be open to welcoming him, given his track record with McCarthy in their prior collaboration that led to a Super Bowl victory. Despite aging concerns, many of Rodgers’ statistics this season are still impressive compared to other players in the league.
In conclusion, while some fans remain hesitant about McCarthy’s hiring due to his past playoff struggles, there is a glimmer of optimism, especially considering Carter’s endorsement and the potential for new quarterback talent like Willis to emerge in Pittsburgh. This new chapter for the Steelers could very well be a turning point, with McCarthy leveraging his extensive experience to reshape the team’s future in a positive direction.