Is Mike McCarthy a bad decision by the Steelers? His track record of developing elite quarterbacks suggests otherwise

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ choice to rent Mike McCarthy as their new head coach-replacing Mike Tomlin after his lengthy tenure-has sparked combined reactions amongst followers. Many expressed disappointment over not touchdown a youthful, rising offensive coordinator. Nevertheless, this alternative stands out as a calculated step towards constructing round a younger quarterback whereas leveraging a coach with a confirmed Tremendous Bowl-winning observe file.

The 62-year-old Pittsburgh native brings 18 seasons of head-coaching expertise, together with a Tremendous Bowl XLV victory with the Inexperienced Bay Packers in 2011. His résumé units him aside in a cycle dominated by first-time head coaches or coordinators with out in depth QB growth success on the high stage.

A key critique of hiring ascending offensive minds-like Ben Johnson, Liam Coen, Zac Taylor , Dave Canales, or others-is their reliance on inheriting elite, franchise quarterbacks. Johnson and Taylor benefited from Jared Goff/Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, respectively; Canales has proven promise with Bryce Younger in Carolina.

With out such expertise, outcomes have been inconsistent: Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings have been up-and-down past one robust Sam Darnold season; Shane Steichen has hovered round .500 in Indianapolis with no true franchise QB; Brian Daboll was fired after struggles with Daniel Jones; Mike McDaniel was let go regardless of Tua Tagovailoa’s presence.

Mike McCarthy brings Tremendous Bowl pedigree and QB success to Pittsburgh

For the Steelers, who lack a locked-in franchise quarterback, pairing an inexperienced head coach with a developmental prospect (whether or not 2025 draft decide Will Howard, free agent like Malik Willis, or a future choice) dangers failure. McCarthy presents the alternative: a veteran who has repeatedly elevated quarterbacks at completely different profession levels.

His observe file speaks volumes. As Chiefs QB coach (1995-1998), he helped revive Wealthy Gannon’s profession. In Inexperienced Bay, he rotated Brett Favre after a dismal 2005 (29 INTs, 4-12 file): by 2007, the Packers had been 13-3, and Favre completed second in MVP voting. McCarthy then guided Aaron Rodgers’ rise post-Favre, resulting in the 2011 Tremendous Bowl title and two MVP awards for Rodgers. Most not too long ago with the Cowboys, Dak Prescott loved his career-best soccer below McCarthy, ending second in 2023 MVP voting and guiding Dallas to a 12-5 file.

This historical past positions McCarthy uniquely to nurture Pittsburgh’s subsequent QB. The Steelers’ entrance workplace seems to view him as the best bridge: a winner who can set up construction, handle video games successfully, and develop expertise with no need an prompt star. Whereas coordinator hires might be essential, McCarthy’s arrival alerts a deal with sustainable development quite than a high-risk gamble on unproven management.

Fan skepticism is understandable-McCarthy’s latest Dallas tenure ended amid playoff frustrations-but his physique of labor suggests stability and QB experience. In a league the place quarterback growth usually defines success, the Steelers might have secured the proper veteran to unlock their future on the place.