Steelers Will Howard May Already Have A Huge Head Start Under Mike McCarthy

Published: Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 6:30 pm

Steelers Bet on Will Howard with McCarthy at the Helm

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move, hiring Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. The decision, announced on January 24, 2026, signals a shift towards an offensive focus, with McCarthy known for his quarterback expertise. He has a track record of coaching elite quarterbacks, including Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and Dak Prescott.

The Steelers' current quarterback situation presents a unique challenge for McCarthy. While the team lacks an established star at the position, they have placed their hopes on Will Howard, a sixth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard, who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes, won a National Championship. However, he was sidelined during training camp last season due to injury, preventing him from playing in preseason games.

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has weighed in on the situation, highlighting Howard's potential advantage under McCarthy. Roethlisberger noted that Howard may already have a head start in understanding the playbook, given McCarthy's offensive background.

With a weak quarterback class in the upcoming draft, Howard is likely to be the team's priority. The Steelers may consider the possibility of Rodgers returning to football in 2026. However, until then, Howard is expected to be the starting quarterback.

The Steelers face a win-win scenario with Howard. If he performs well under McCarthy's guidance and leads the team to the playoffs, the Steelers could have found their long-term solution at quarterback. Conversely, if Howard struggles, the team could secure a high draft pick in the 2027 draft, which is expected to have a strong quarterback class.

BNN's Perspective:

The Steelers' decision to prioritize Will Howard and hire Mike McCarthy is a calculated risk. While the team's recent history of quarterback instability is a concern, the potential reward of finding a franchise quarterback through Howard is significant. The Steelers have a history of success, and this move could be the key to maintaining their competitive edge.

Keywords: Steelers, Mike McCarthy, Will Howard, quarterback, NFL, football, Ben Roethlisberger, Ohio State Buckeyes, draft, offense, head coach, playoffs, 2026, Mason Rudolph, Art Rooney II

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