Aaron Rodgers is reportedly open to returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2026 season following the franchise’s plan to hire Mike McCarthy as their next head coach. This potential hire could significantly alter Rodgers’ future with the team.
Rodgers, 42, achieved 3,322 passing yards and threw 24 touchdowns, leading the Steelers to their first AFC North title in five years during his inaugural season as their starter. Despite a disappointing exit in the playoffs against the Houston Texans, he has yet to disclose his plans after giving support to the recently terminated Mike Tomlin who stepped down from his position after a 19-year tenure.
Though Rodgers signed a one-year contract before the 2025 season, speculation regarding his retirement has emerged, particularly after Tomlin’s departure. McCarthy’s hiring could create new opportunities.
Having accumulated a record of 125 wins and 77 losses with the Green Bay Packers while coaching Rodgers, he most recently led the Dallas Cowboys until 2024. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero remarked that Rodgers holds a strong respect for McCarthy, and their past relationship could facilitate a reunion in Pittsburgh.
“I do believe that if Aaron Rodgers were coming back to play for one coach in 2026, it would be Mike McCarthy,” Pelissero remarked on ‘The Rich Eisen Show.’
Pelissero re-emphasized his viewpoint after reports of Pittsburgh’s pursuit of McCarthy became public. “To be clear: The Steelers aren’t hiring Mike McCarthy to lure Aaron Rodgers back for another season, but if there’s one coach besides Mike Tomlin that Rodgers would consider playing for, it’s McCarthy, who helped mold Rodgers into a four-time NFL MVP in Green Bay.”
Rodgers had previously indicated that 2025 might be his last season, emphasizing that the playoff loss to the Texans would not sway his decision. Steelers owner Art Rooney II acknowledged that Tomlin’s departure would likely impact Rodgers’ future decisions.
Many former Steelers legends have shared their opinions amid the franchise’s search process, with ex-Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger highlighting his support for McCarthy’s hiring alongside Rodgers’ potential return in 2026.
After years under Tomlin’s defensive mindset, Roethlisberger emphasized that his preference was for an offense-oriented coach this time. “Mike McCarthy is an offensive veteran coach with Pittsburgh ties; he understands the Steeler way and what it means to be a Steeler and the Rooney family. Many speculate on how long he would continue coaching, but if he brings in Rodgers, it may play to Rodgers’ advantage given their past collaboration where they won a Super Bowl together.”
Rodgers is renowned as a 10-time Pro Bowler, a four-time NFL MVP, and won Super Bowl XLV with the Packers under McCarthy’s guidance.
