Let’s Wait On McCarthy
Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2026 7:51 am
Look, I get it. The big question wasn’t whether the Steelers would announce an in-person interview with Shula or Scheelhaase. The question was were they planning to interview BOTH Shula and Scheelhaase.
I had Shula and Scheelhaase co-favorites, with Weaver and McCarthy dark horses.
So I was shocked when I heard the news. And, truthfully, initially a little disappointed, particularly considering neither Shula or Scheelhaase got a second interview. Neither Shula or Scheelhaase could do anything in a second interview that could have changed the Steelers minds? Or was it that the Steelers couldn’t do anything in a second interview to change either Shula’s and Scheelhaase’s minds?
As you know, the fan reaction has ranged from anger, to disappointment, to resignation.
But after giving myself 12 hours to soak this in, and while I wouldn’t necessarily have called the choice “inspired”, I myself am willing to give McCarthy a chance before final judgment.
He’s always gotten the most out of the QBs he’s had, with not only future HOFs such as Rodgers and Prescott, but others such as Rich Gannon.
While he’s apparently not connected to McVay, he’s a hell of a lot more modern than OSU’s new OC.
Speaking of an OC, no preseason analysis of this hire can be made until we see the quality (or lack thereof) of the staff. I would expect that McCarthy, with all of his connections in about thirty years of NFL experience, will field a strong staff.
Look, with the compensatory picks we are scheduled to have, we will have 12 draft picks in this draft. Talent can be fortified at literally every position. Get the staff right and then have a good and deep draft, the kind where we might be able to win immediately with a plug and play QB. Find a couple of future pro bowlers and another two or three solid starters.
I DO have more confidence than I did with Tomlin in McCarthy’s ability to identify and develop the third great Steeler QB of my lifetime, whether that takes just this cycle or the next.
So I’m wait and see.
I had Shula and Scheelhaase co-favorites, with Weaver and McCarthy dark horses.
So I was shocked when I heard the news. And, truthfully, initially a little disappointed, particularly considering neither Shula or Scheelhaase got a second interview. Neither Shula or Scheelhaase could do anything in a second interview that could have changed the Steelers minds? Or was it that the Steelers couldn’t do anything in a second interview to change either Shula’s and Scheelhaase’s minds?
As you know, the fan reaction has ranged from anger, to disappointment, to resignation.
But after giving myself 12 hours to soak this in, and while I wouldn’t necessarily have called the choice “inspired”, I myself am willing to give McCarthy a chance before final judgment.
He’s always gotten the most out of the QBs he’s had, with not only future HOFs such as Rodgers and Prescott, but others such as Rich Gannon.
While he’s apparently not connected to McVay, he’s a hell of a lot more modern than OSU’s new OC.
Speaking of an OC, no preseason analysis of this hire can be made until we see the quality (or lack thereof) of the staff. I would expect that McCarthy, with all of his connections in about thirty years of NFL experience, will field a strong staff.
Look, with the compensatory picks we are scheduled to have, we will have 12 draft picks in this draft. Talent can be fortified at literally every position. Get the staff right and then have a good and deep draft, the kind where we might be able to win immediately with a plug and play QB. Find a couple of future pro bowlers and another two or three solid starters.
I DO have more confidence than I did with Tomlin in McCarthy’s ability to identify and develop the third great Steeler QB of my lifetime, whether that takes just this cycle or the next.
So I’m wait and see.
