The Steelers have a unique history when it comes to hiring head coaches. They don’t change coaches often, and when they do, they usually find someone with the potential to become a star. Fans expected the same this time.
Instead, they got Mike McCarthy—a Pittsburgh native with 18 years of head-coaching experience, but also more firings than playoff wins. Fans are eager for a playoff victory, especially since it’s been since 2016 that the team last won in the postseason. They’re also eyeing their first Super Bowl win since 2008.
Some fans were disappointed that the Steelers didn’t take more time to interview other candidates, like Nate Scheelhaase or Chris Shula from the Rams. McCarthy was only approached by two other teams— the Titans and Giants—raising questions about his desirability as a coach. Other teams like the Ravens and Browns didn’t show any interest.
In January 2025, McCarthy left the Cowboys amidst many teams searching for a new coach, yet only the Bears talked to him. This silence speaks volumes in the tightly-knit NFL community, where news about coaching candidates spreads quickly.
People often compare McCarthy’s record to that of John Harbaugh. Both coaches have one Super Bowl win, and their careers have similar win percentages. Yet, when Harbaugh was available, teams rushed to interview him. His agent received inquiries from various teams, while McCarthy had just one offer—from the Steelers.
Steelers fans hold their team in high esteem. They expect that top candidates would eagerly choose to coach the Steelers. Given McCarthy’s lack of interest from other franchises, there’s a sense that the Steelers settled. If they truly wanted to shake up their recent history of hiring promising, lesser-known coaches, why not go after Harbaugh when he was available? Many fans believe he would have been the better choice.
Winning games will help fans warm up to McCarthy, but early losses might lead to frustration, similar to the disappointment felt after the November 30 loss to the Bills. In McCarthy’s first season with the Cowboys, they started 2-7, and Steelers fans fear a repeat of that scenario in 2026. If the season goes poorly, fans will voice their discontent loudly.
On a bright note, McCarthy did lead the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-win seasons. The Steelers haven’t had that kind of success lately, with only two such seasons since 2011. If McCarthy can replicate that performance, he might change the narrative around his hiring from one of disappointment to one of potential.
In a recent survey, 65% of NFL fans expressed a preference for hiring coaches with proven records rather than taking risks on lesser-known candidates. This reflects a broader trend in the league, where stability often trumps experimentation.
As McCarthy steps into this role, both he and the Steelers have a chance to rewrite their stories. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if this gamble pays off or if it leads to more questions about the franchise’s direction.
