Steelers Might Still Consider Bringing Back Aaron Rodgers

Could it be that the Steelers have a shot at keeping Aaron Rodgers after all? There’s a thought that perhaps a potential candidate for their coaching vacancy might play a role in that decision.

On Sunday, ESPN reported that the Steelers are still “open” to the idea of bringing Rodgers back in 2026. This stands in contrast to an earlier report from NFL Network, which suggested that the 42-year-old quarterback’s future in Pittsburgh was uncertain.

It seems that some players on the team want the four-time MVP to return. However, with Mike Tomlin stepping down as head coach following Monday’s loss to the Texans in the wild-card round, the chances of Rodgers making a comeback are looking slim.

News emerged on Sunday about Rodgers planning to speak with Mike McCarthy, who coached him for 12 years in Green Bay, regarding the vacant Steelers position. It adds an interesting twist to the situation.

During their time together, Rodgers and McCarthy enjoyed considerable success, including two MVP awards and a Super Bowl victory at the end of the 2010 season. Yet, their relationship has had its ups and downs.

In 2019, a Packers player described their dynamic as “a big cancer in the locker room,” highlighting some of the tensions. McCarthy was let go midway through the 2018 season, but by the time he returned to Lambeau Field as the Cowboys’ head coach in 2022, Rodgers had expressed gratitude for those years, admitting he might appreciate them more with time.

There’s still a question hanging in the air: If the Steelers decide to hire McCarthy, would Rodgers be interested in reuniting? McCarthy has a solid coaching record of 174-112-2 but parted ways with the Cowboys after the 2024 season and didn’t coach this past year.

Last season, Rodgers led the Steelers to an AFC North title, but they stumbled in the postseason opener. He posted 3,322 passing yards, along with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. However, he didn’t quite look like the future Hall of Famer who won four MVP awards in Green Bay. After suffering a serious Achilles injury in 2023 and experiencing a lackluster season with the Jets in 2024, maybe that’s to be expected.

Steelers owner Art Rooney II acknowledged that Tomlin’s unexpected departure could play a significant role in Rodgers’ decision-making. He even mentioned to reporters that Tomlin was a key reason Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh in the first place.