It was always going to be interesting to see what the new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach thought about his former quarterback. Mike McCarthy was the former head coach of Aaron Rodgers during his Packers days, and they even won a Super Bowl together. While the duo has a history together, Rodgers’ return to the Steelers is still not confirmed. And now, McCarthy conveyed his true feelings on the veteran quarterback.

“Definitely. I don’t know why you wouldn’t,” said Mike McCarthy when asked if he wants Aaron Rodgers back in the upcoming season, via the Underdog NFL on X.

The Packers drafted Rodgers during the 2005 NFL Draft, when Mike Sherman was the head coach. Following the 4-12 record, the Packers replaced Sherman with McCarthy. From 2006 to 2018, Rodgers played under McCarthy before the latter parted ways with Green Bay. Together, they won Super Bowl XLV and reached the postseason nine times.

Although 42, Rodgers showed that he can still perform at the top level in 2025. In 16 games, he recorded an almost 66% pass completion rate for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He boasted a 94.8 passer rating, highlighting why McCarthy still believes in him.

Despite wanting Rodgers on his team, McCarthy believes that Rodgers will need some time before deciding on his return.

“McCarthy says he has spoken with Rodgers, but knows Rodgers — like most older players — needs some time away to consider his future,” reported Tom Pelissero of The Athletic, via X.

While McCarthy is awaiting the quarterback’s answer, their relationship was not always sweet. They were often seen arguing on the sidelines during their Packers days. During their 34-30 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2013 season, Rodgers was unhappy with the playcalling of the head coach after a play resulted only in a field goal. He gestured it to the sidelines. Following the game, they had a heated exchange, and the on-field cameras spotted it. It is just one of the many incidents.

Surprisingly, McCarthy will also be playcalling for the Steelers in the upcoming season. It can be a decider in Rodgers staying or leaving.

However, in 2022, when McCarthy was the Cowboys HC, Rodgers confirmed that the rift between them is a matter of the past.

“I think time always can be a great healer, not that there needed to be a lot of healing in our relationship. There was always so much love,” Rodgers said, according to The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman.

He further added, “That’s always gonna connect us and bond us, and with time, it’s just increased the greater gratitude that I have for him, the time we spent together, the love I have for him and the appreciation for what he meant to my career.”

Rodgers taking time to make his decision is valid, especially since he is in his 40s. By this age, most professional athletes retire, with few being exceptions. With retirement being very much a possibility, Mike McCarthy could be looking towards a young talent in Will Howard.

Mike McCarthy sees an exciting prospect in Will Howard

Despite the Steelers having a backup quarterback in Mason Rudolph, the franchise could see extensive use of QB3 Will Howard. Even HC Mike McCarthy is excited about the young quarterback.

“I’m really excited about Will Howard,” McCarthy said, via Tom Pelissero on X.

The Steelers drafted Howard during the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft from Ohio State. Freshly coming off winning the 2025 Cotton Bowl Classic against the Texas Longhorns, the young quarterback accounted for 4,030 passing yards with a 73% pass completion rate, scoring 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his final college year. On the ground, he made 105 carries for 226 yards and 7 touchdowns. He also won the 2025 CFP National Championship and was named the Offensive MVP.

After coming to the Steelers, the franchise legend, Ben Roethlisberger, served as his mentor. Unfortunately, a fractured hand ruled him out of the preseason. Although he did not require surgery, it was not until November 12 that he was taken off the injury reserve. Thus, he missed playing out in his rookie year.

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McCarthy also made Rodgers the backup quarterback for three seasons before making him a starter. It helped Rodgers in developing as a quarterback, as he learned more about the game from the sidelines before getting a taste of it. He could look forward to achieving the same thing with Howard.

With McCarthy at the wheel, it will be interesting to see whether he reunites with Rodgers in the north but in a different conference, and whether his excitement about Will Howard reaches its expectations.