Steelers' New Coach: A Bold Move or a Missed Opportunity?
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a history of turning unknown coaches into legends. This time, however, they took a different approach by hiring Mike McCarthy, a coach with extensive experience but limited recent success.
McCarthy's Mixed Legacy
- 18 years as a head coach
- Fired more times than Super Bowl appearances
- Playoff record leaves much to be desired
Steelers fans hope he can deliver:
- Their first playoff win since 2016
- Their first Super Bowl win since 2008
Why McCarthy?
The Steelers did not interview other candidates like Nate Scheelhaase or Chris Shula before hiring McCarthy. This decision has upset some fans, especially since only the Titans and Giants showed interest in him.
The Harbaugh Factor
Contrast this with John Harbaugh, who had multiple teams eager to hire him. The Giants even rebuilt their football operation to get him. McCarthy, however, had no such buzz after his firing by the Packers.
Fans' Expectations
Steelers fans expect the best coaches to want to play for them. However, McCarthy's resume is similar to Harbaugh's, yet Harbaugh had far more interest. This makes fans question why the Steelers didn’t pursue Harbaugh instead.
A Glimmer of Hope
If McCarthy's first year starts poorly, fans may chant for his firing. But there’s a silver lining:
- Three straight 12-5 seasons in Dallas
- The Steelers haven’t had a season that good since 2020
If McCarthy can bring that level of success to Pittsburgh, fans might warm up to him after all.
