Newly hired Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy made it clear he wants Aaron Rodgers back as the team’s starting quarterback in 2026, offering an unequivocal endorsement of the veteran during his first major press availability since taking the job. When asked directly whether he wanted Rodgers to return, McCarthy replied, “Definitely. I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” while acknowledging the 41-year-old quarterback may need time to step away and decompress after an emotionally taxing season.

McCarthy, who coached Rodgers for 13 seasons in Green Bay and won a Super Bowl with him in 2011, addressed the quarterback situation head-on during a January 29, 2026 press conference. He emphasized both his familiarity with Rodgers and his understanding of where the quarterback is in his career. McCarthy noted that late-career veterans often need space after a season ends, given the physical and emotional demands of the game, adding that he has already spoken directly with Rodgers about his future.

“I think when guys are up at that stage of their career, they need to step away and decompress,” McCarthy said. “The game is so emotional. What these men commit to, what they put into it, I think that time away is important. I have spoken to Aaron, so that’s really where we are there.”

McCarthy also spoke positively about Rodgers’ on-field impact during the 2025 season, which McCarthy observed closely before being hired. Rodgers joined Pittsburgh late in the year following the team’s transition away from Russell Wilson and quickly became the starter. Despite injuries and an offense that struggled with consistency, McCarthy said Rodgers was a “great asset” to the team, praising his leadership, decision-making, and ability to elevate those around him.

Rodgers, who turned 42 in December 2025, showed flashes of elite arm talent and trademark football intelligence during his stint with the Steelers. The team finished with a 10-7 record and lost in the Wildcard Round to the Houston Texans. That outcome ultimately led to head coach Mike Tomlin retiring and the organization’s decision to bring in McCarthy.

McCarthy’s remarks strongly signal his desire to reunite with Rodgers in Pittsburgh, leaning on the proven chemistry and mutual trust they developed over more than a decade in Green Bay. However, Rodgers has not publicly committed to returning for the 2026 season, and questions remain about whether he will retire, explore another opportunity, or take additional time to evaluate his health and long-term future in the league.