Mike McCarthy a 'strong candidate' for Steelers head coach

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Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy will interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, Jan. 21, according to NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero also said McCarthy was a candidate for the open Tennessee Titans head-coaching position but withdrew from that search Jan. 19 "and has turned down other inquiries. He's focused on Pittsburgh, where he's considered a strong candidate."

Reports surfaced Jan. 20 that the Titans are going to hire Robert Saleh for their position.

The connection between McCarthy and Pittsburgh is notable on a number of levels. McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native who served as a graduate assistant and wide receivers coach at the University of Pittsburgh early in his career. His crowning achievement in coaching came after the 2010 season, when the Packers defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

And, of course, there's the possible reconvening with Aaron Rodgers, who started 16 games for the Steelers in 2025 and led the franchise to the playoffs and an AFC North title. Rodgers was Green Bay's starting quarterback for 11 of McCarthy's 13 years as head coach of the Packers, with McCarthy getting fired late in the 2018 season.

Rodgers, however, is a free agent and had previously hinted the 2025 season would be his last, though he didn't outright say it after Pittsburgh's playoff elimination at the hands of the Houston Texans. The 42-year-old openly endorsed incumbent head coach Mike Tomlin, who nonetheless stepped down after 19 seasons at the helm.

More: NFL coaching news: Latest updates on hires, reports

The Steelers have cast a wide net looking for Tomlin's replacement. Among those to have already completed virtual interviews: Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, Los Angeles Chargers defense coordinator Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who took the Dolphins' head-coaching job.

The Steelers were also primed to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, one of the hotter names in the offseason coaching carousel. Schefter said Flores would meet with the Steelers on Jan. 20.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Mike McCarthy a 'strong candidate' for Steelers head coach

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