The 2024 season marked the end of Mike McCarthy’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys. There was no longer any possibility of him remaining within Jerry Jones’ organization. The team finished with a 7-10 record and without any chance of reaching the postseason.
Patience ran out for Jones, who ultimately decided to move on from the head coach. During the 2025 season, McCarthy most likely spent his time resting and studying, preparing himself for the opportunity to once again take control of an NFL franchise.
Everything now points to that opportunity arriving in the 2026 season. Several teams have expressed interest in his services and have interviewed him to determine whether he meets the conditions required to lead their organizations.
However, there is one franchise in particular that McCarthy is determined to coach at all costs. For that reason, he has concentrated all of his energy and attention on making that possibility a reality.
The team Mike McCarthy wants to coach
After Black Monday, Mike McCarthy has drawn significant media attention, as his name has appeared among the candidates to fill several head coaching vacancies. During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, he appeared to be candid about the franchise he truly wants to lead.
The Pittsburgh Steelers showed strong interest in acquiring the coach who previously led both the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. That interest is rooted in a shared history between McCarthy and the Steelers’ general manager.
McCarthy and Omar Khan spent time together while working with the New Orleans Saints, a connection that could open the door for McCarthy to take over another nationally and internationally renowned franchise.
For that reason, McCarthy is eager for the option with Pittsburgh to materialize. Doing so would allow him to coach two of the most storied franchises in NFL history, an achievement few head coaches can claim on their résumés.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero stated on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, that McCarthy’s interview on Wednesday, January 21, will be crucial to his future.
Pelissero also noted that McCarthy has dismissed other potential interviews with teams that were interested in learning more about his work and considering him for their openings. It has even been reported that he declined the possibility of coaching the Titans, despite prior interest from both sides.
McCarthy’s desire to coach Pittsburgh is so strong that he has placed all of his efforts into securing that position. But if the interview fails to produce the desired outcome, it could create a serious problem, as he would have effectively burned other bridges that were available.
Even so, his bold determination to pursue the job he truly wants cannot be ignored. The resolve he has shown in this process is rare and worthy of admiration.
It is also worth noting that McCarthy is a native of Pittsburgh, and returning home as the prodigal son would represent a dream fulfilled. Before John Harbaugh was selected by the New York Giants, McCarthy’s name was also strongly linked to that position.
The coming days will reveal how the situation unfolds and whether Mike McCarthy’s story ends happily. Both sides are interested; reaching an agreement is the final step.
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