Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy is preparing for his return to the NFL sidelines in 2026, marking his first coaching role since his departure from the Dallas Cowboys a year ago. McCarthy is now the fourth head coach for the Steelers since 1969, succeeding Mike Tomlin, a former NFL Coach of the Year.

Reflections on the Dallas Experience

During the recent league meetings held in Phoenix, Arizona, McCarthy shared his thoughts on his tenure leading "America's Team." He described his time in Dallas as a "great experience" filled with "some great people there."

Missing the Jones Family and Culture

McCarthy specifically mentioned missing the personal connections he maintained while in Dallas. "Jerry, I mean, I got to see him on Sunday. So I miss him in a lot of ways," McCarthy stated.

He elaborated on the positive environment, adding, "The family and just the way they treat the people working there, that's definitely something I miss." McCarthy expressed gratitude for all his experiences with the organization.

Navigating Early Challenges and Finding Stride

McCarthy acknowledged the difficulties of starting his Cowboys tenure during the pandemic year. He felt he could have managed that period better, citing that they "just had a lot of balls in the air" at the time.

However, he noted that the team found its rhythm in the second year. "Once we got the program going, I thought we kind of hit our stride there in the second year," he commented. McCarthy also expressed satisfaction with the team's direction and the draft classes assembled before his exit.

Media Scrutiny and Final Record

If there was any downside to coaching the Cowboys, McCarthy joked that it was the intense media attention that accompanies the role. This scrutiny is typical for the high-profile position.

McCarthy's Timeline in Dallas

The Green Bay Packers dismissed McCarthy following Week 13 of the 2018 season. The Dallas Cowboys subsequently hired him to take over before the 2020 season commenced.

  • McCarthy began his Cowboys tenure with a 6-10 record.
  • He subsequently guided the team to three straight 12-5 seasons.
  • In his final year, the team finished 7-10 and failed to make the postseason.

McCarthy concluded his time in Dallas with a regular-season record of 49-35 and a playoff record of 1-3. Following his departure, former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer took over the team's leadership.