Steelers' McCarthy 'definitely' wants Rodgers to return

New Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy signaled that the door is wide open for Aaron Rodgers to return to the team for the 2026 season.

"Definitely," McCarthy told reporters Tuesday when asked if he wants to reunite with Rodgers. "I don't see why you wouldn't."

He added: "I was able to sit back and watch the games. I watched most of the Pittsburgh games on TV, and I thought he was a great asset for the team."

McCarthy said during the introductory press conference that he has spoken to Rodgers, who hasn't decided whether he'll play another season. A deadline for the 42-year-old's decision hasn't been discussed yet, McCarthy added.

Rodgers won 10 of his 16 starts with Pittsburgh in 2025 after signing a one-year deal with the franchise in June. He led the Steelers to a playoff appearance, though they fell in the wild-card round to the Houston Texans.

McCarthy coached Rodgers for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, one of which culminated in a Super Bowl victory over the Steelers.

If Rodgers doesn't return, McCarthy said he's particularly excited about working with 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard.

On Saturday, the Steelers hired McCarthy as the successor to Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after the wild-card loss following a 19-year tenure with the team. A Pittsburgh native, McCarthy got emotional at the start of Tuesday's press conference, saying that representing the Steelers "means the world" to him.