The NFL season is almost here, with kickoff exactly eight weeks away, and for the Pittsburgh Steelers, that means the Mike McCarthy era is officially beginning. Week 1 is set for a clash against the Atlanta Falcons, marking the start of a tenure that’s already got people talking, maybe not always for the right reasons.
The Doubters Are Loud, But Gruden’s Got McCarthy’s Back
McCarthy’s hiring in January came after he took a year off, following a solid five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. During his time in Dallas, he strung together three consecutive 12-win seasons from 2021-23. Despite that track record, a lot of folks initially panned the Steelers’ move, with the overwhelming thought being the team should have gone with a younger, up-and-coming coach. But one of McCarthy’s former colleagues and a fellow Super Bowl champion head coach, Jon Gruden, isn’t having any of it. Gruden went on Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast and told Heyward straight up to put his trust in McCarthy. “I just hope he goes into Pittsburgh with a case of whoop ass,” Gruden said. “And I hope you guys trust him and roll with him because he is a hell of a coach.” Talk about a ringing endorsement!
From Pitt Assistants To A New Era: Camp Is Calling
Gruden isn’t just speaking from a buddy’s perspective; he knows McCarthy’s coaching chops firsthand. These two actually worked together way back in 1991 at the University of Pittsburgh. Gruden was the wide receivers coach, and McCarthy was a graduate assistant. When Gruden bounced for the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy stepped up and took over as the wide receivers coach at Pitt. That’s a deep history, showing Gruden saw McCarthy’s talent early on. Now, the new chapter begins for the Steelers, with McCarthy at the helm. The team reports to Latrobe for training camp on Tuesday, July 28, and they’ll hit the field for their first practice the very next day, Wednesday, July 29. Preseason action kicks off August 13 when they face the Green Bay Packers.
It’s clear the initial skepticism is real, but Gruden’s passionate defense for McCarthy offers a different perspective. With camp just around the corner, all eyes will be on how this team comes together under their new leader. Can McCarthy really bring that “case of whoop ass” Gruden talked about? We’re about to find out, starting with their preseason opener against the Packers and then that Week 1 showdown with the Falcons. Get ready for some football!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Leave a Reply