While a recent report suggested Aaron Rodgers is unlikely to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026, a new rumor claims the emerging favorite to be their next head coach could lure the legend back to the black and gold next season.
For the third straight season, the Steelers finished their campaign with a 10-7 record. There are different ways to look at those results. It was another winning year and division title for a franchise that has a very high standard. Or it is another year where they were better than average, but nowhere close to winning their first championship since 2008.
For NFL icon Aaron Rodgers , there were a lot of positives. After looking washed following two disastrous years with the New York Jets , he returned to the postseason for the first time in four seasons and proved he can still be a meaningful part of a winning team at 42 years old.
However, that was not the case for head coach Mike Tomlin . Pressure mounted on his performance this season because the team has not reached the conference championship in a decade. When they were blown out by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round, it sparked speculation that he could be fired. Instead, the legendary Steelers coach chose to step down from his role with the organization.
The coach and QB developed a bond in 2025. Following Tomlin's departure, reports emerged that it was sure to lead to Rodgers' exit as well. Or maybe not. According to ESPN's Tom Pelissero , former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy is turning away interest from other teams and is laser-focused on winning the Steelers job during a planned interview on Wednesday.
The NFL insider added that McCarthy is now a "strong candidate" for the job. Oddly enough, McCarthy getting the job could apparently lead to a Rodgers return in 2026.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
"I remember talking to Aaron Rodgers in the locker room toward the end of his tenure with the Jets. He mentioned 'wherever Mike McCarthy ends up' as a potential landing spot," SNY's Connor Hughes revealed. "Sure sounds like McCarthy is headed to the Steelers. Wonder if that gets Rodgers back for another year."
McCarthy helped develop Rodgers into a superstar when they were together as head coach and QB in Green Bay for 10 and a half seasons. However, the souring of their relationship is believed to have played a big role in the coach being fired late in the 2018 season. It seems they have fixed whatever differences they had, and the QB welcomes a reunion.
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