The Pittsburgh Steelers formally introduced Mike McCarthy as their next head coach today. Not surprisingly, the 62-year old Pittsburgh native was emotional at the start as he came to grips with being the leader of his boyhood team. The press conference was attended by many members of his family and several current and former Steelers’ were also on hand. Here’s a couple of nuggets from a largely uneventful presser.
On the potential return of Aaron Rodgers…
The fact that McCarthy has already spoken to Rodgers suggests there’s a very strong chance that he returns. If someone like Minnesota came calling, I would have to think that Rodgers would be more interested in that given their weapons, playing indoors and having a solid offensive line. All that said, I think the odds on Rodgers returning have gone up significantly.
Defensively speaking…
Regarding his staff, we already learned today that Defensive Line Coach Karl Dunbar will not be returning and then this nugget dropped in the presser.
McCarthy and Omar Khan were asked about their time working together in New Orleans 25 years ago. The fact that McCarthy wants some younger, energetic coaches isn’t surprising based on the comments of his time with the Saints.
For Art Rooney II’s part today, I’m not sure he did anything to make the fan base believe that McCarthy wasn’t the guy all along. Suggesting that the team did an “open search” but personally interviewed just two other guys really doesn’t sway anyone in his favor. I think what is most important from this press conference is that Mike McCarthy did well.
For me personally, my dislike of his hiring has never been about him. He’s a good guy and a good football coach, there’s no doubt about those things. My desire for this franchise was to get younger and create some new energy and a new culture more in tune with today’s game. If McCarthy can do that then I’ll gladly admit I was wrong.
