Steelers Hire Mike McCarthy, Face 8.5-Win Line With Aaron Rodgers at 43
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 11
Steelers Hire Mike McCarthy, Face 8.5-Win Line With Aaron Rodgers at 43
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 11
Summary
Pittsburgh enters 2026 with an 8.5-win projection after replacing Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy following last season’s playoff-ending loss to Houston.
19 seasons under Tomlin ended after a 10-win but uneven year in which the Steelers reached the postseason, then were routed by the Texans.
43-year-old Aaron Rodgers is central to the bet on a rebound, with Pittsburgh keeping DK Metcalf and adding Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard and cornerback Jamel Dean.
Sportsbooks lean under 8.5, reflecting AFC North pressure from Baltimore and a healthier Cincinnati, though the schedule is viewed as manageable enough for over consideration.
The broader question is whether Pittsburgh can keep its long run of winning seasons going without Tomlin, even if Rodgers delivers one more solid year.