The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced Mike McCarthy as their 17th head coach during a press conference at Acrisure Stadium on Tuesday. McCarthy, who is originally from Pittsburgh, was visibly emotional as he addressed the audience, which included his family and both former and current Steelers players.
“Here we go,” McCarthy said at the start of his remarks, pausing several times to compose himself. “I thought I’d at least be able to get started.” He continued after another pause: “Oftentimes, coaches and players, you put on new team colors, and it takes a minute to feel comfortable in those new colors. But to be blessed beyond any measure, one day to put on the colors you wore since you brought home….” After another emotional moment, he added, “I told you not to sit my family down here in front. This is so unfair.”
McCarthy expressed gratitude for being selected by the organization. “I want to thank Art Rooney, Omar Khan, Dan Rooney and the entire Steelers organization for the trust they placed in me to represent one of the most storied franchises in all of sports,” he said. “I understand and embrace bu the responsibility, the privilege and the weight that comes with the stewardship.
“This city, this franchise, this fan base, means the world to me because Pittsburgh is my world and it’s just awesome to be back here.”
He described receiving the job offer as a surreal experience over the past 72 hours. “I think the two words that jump to the front are overwhelming and surreal,” McCarthy stated. “The opportunity with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the overwhelming response that’s occurred.
“I’ve received probably twice as many, at least, text messages and calls than I did when we won a Super Bowl. It’s just been overwhelming.
“So, the last 48, 72 hours have been about the staff. So, I mean it’s just nonstop. Trying to make it fit together. And it’s more difficult to put a staff together today than it was six years ago, and definitely 20 years ago.”
McCarthy has an overall coaching record of 174-112-2 (.608), ranking him fourth among active NFL coaches for total wins and fifteenth in league history. His career includes 18 years as an NFL head coach—13 seasons with Green Bay Packers (2006-2018) and five with Dallas Cowboys (2020-2024). During his tenure as head coach in Green Bay and Dallas combined, his teams made 12 postseason appearances and secured eight division titles.
Although he did not coach during 2025, McCarthy indicated his desire to return was strong: “I love coaching,” he said. “I think the biggest thing is the interaction every day with the players, the coaches, the support group…there’s nothing like it.
“I’ve had a chance to step away and look at other things. There’s nothing like the National Football League. And to do it at the highest level…it’s something that I’m not ready to walk away from.
“And to have this opportunity…it just seemed like it was meant to be on so many different levels…. There’s so many little things about the coaching profession I love.
“But the fact getting up every day…and it’s all about winning. I’m just fortunate that I had the opportunity to do it again.”
Assembling a new coaching staff remains underway; however McCarthy confirmed he will call offensive plays himself: “I will call the plays on offense…But these coaching staffs—it’s a bigger challenge each and every year…. But it’s been very fluid in last 48 hours.”
His teams have reached four NFC Championship Games; notably he led Green Bay Packers over Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV following 2010 season.
“My heart is full. My focus is singular,” McCarthy concluded. “And it’s time to bring another championship back to this great city.”
