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.
