McCarthy: Reunion with Rodgers in Pittsburgh would be 'great story'
New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy hopes quarterback Aaron Rodgers extends his NFL career and returns to Pittsburgh in 2026.
"It'd be a great story," McCarthy said Monday, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
Rodgers, 42, started 16 games for the Steelers in 2025 during his 21st NFL season. The four-time NFL MVP remains undecided about his future. In early March, he said there's no deadline for him to decide whether he'll play another year for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers made a coaching change this offseason, hiring McCarthy - Rodgers' former coach with the Green Bay Packers - to replace Mike Tomlin.
"I would love to tell everybody there is breaking news," McCarthy added. "It's really cool to see Aaron at 42, and to see a young man at 22, and all that he's been able to accomplish and where he's at in his personal life and trying to make this decision. He's in a really good place."
McCarthy coached Rodgers from 2006-18, helping him become one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era. The veteran passer won two MVPs under McCarthy's watch, and they led the Packers to a Super Bowl title together.
Rodgers didn't announce his decision to join the Steelers until June 2025, but Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan said in February that he expects a faster resolution this year.
Without Rodgers, the team's QB depth chart features Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.