Tim Butler felt a pang of disappointment when he missed the chance to catch up with his childhood friend during his recent trip home. But this wasn’t the end of their story. Mike McCarthy, a Greenfield native, was coming back to Pittsburgh as the new head coach of the Steelers.
Butler couldn’t hide his excitement. “My whole family couldn’t be happier,” he shared after hearing the news. Just three days after his interview, the Steelers officially announced their agreement with McCarthy to fill the role previously held by Mike Tomlin.
“His family is close to mine,” Butler continued. His father, Jack, enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Steelers. Butler even invited McCarthy to dinner with his siblings, not realizing he had returned to Green Bay.
Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood, where McCarthy grew up, is buzzing with excitement. Residents like Jimmy Gregg, who has coached local youth baseball for decades, likened the atmosphere to a holiday. “Greenfield is really excited about it,” he said, noting that the community has watched McCarthy’s rise from local schools to NFL head coach.
McCarthy’s coaching resume is impressive. Over 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys, he won 174 regular-season games and 11 playoff games. He led the Packers to three NFC Championship titles and celebrated a Super Bowl victory in 2010—against the Steelers.
McCarthy has often expressed his love for Pittsburgh. Growing up in the vibrant city of the ’70s, he fondly recalls the Pirates’ World Series wins and the unforgettable “Immaculate Reception” moment in 1972. Back then, few could have predicted that the Steelers would only hire two coaches in 50 years and that one would be a local kid.
“What makes Michael successful is his strong work ethic,” said Dee Rizzo, a family friend and agent. He reminisced about McCarthy’s time as a grad assistant at the University of Pittsburgh, where he worked at his dad’s bar during his off-hours, doing everything from cleaning bathrooms to hauling beer.
McCarthy also worked as a bouncer at the iconic Pittsburgh nightclub Chauncey’s, where he had to wear a tuxedo alongside other security staff. Those experiences forged his character and dedication.
After parting ways with the Cowboys in 2024, McCarthy returned to Green Bay. His long-time friend, Butler, believes McCarthy always wanted to coach again. “When Tomlin left, I’m sure Mike was really excited about this chance,” Butler said. “Who wouldn’t want to coach their hometown team?”
During the search for their new head coach, the Steelers interviewed nine candidates, but McCarthy stood out as the most experienced. Now he’s back home, ready to lead the team he has loved all his life.
With a strong foundation built on hard work and old-school values, McCarthy’s return is not just a personal victory; it’s a proud moment for Greenfield and Pittsburgh. The community looks forward to seeing where his leadership will take the Steelers next.
For more insights on coaching strategies and team dynamics, you can explore this ESPN article.
