The Pittsburgh Steelers appointed Mike McCarthy as their head coach in January, following the departure of Mike Tomlin, who had led the team since 2007. The decision left some Steelers fans disheartened, as they had hoped for a fresh start with a younger, innovative coach. However, CeeDee Lamb, the star wide receiver of the Dallas Cowboys, believes there is plenty to be optimistic about.
In a recent interview with Ross Tucker, Lamb expressed his enthusiasm about McCarthy”s arrival in Pittsburgh. “Oh, my God, a great guy,” he exclaimed. “He loves Pittsburgh. That”s my mans. I love Mike. I love Mike. Coach McCarthy, he”s obviously — for those who don”t know, he”s my only coach that I”ve had besides Schotty.” Lamb emphasized that McCarthy brings a positive energy to the organization, stating, “As soon as you walk in the building, you”re gonna feel his energy, and you”re gonna feel what he wants to do.”
Lamb revealed that McCarthy is keen on taking risks with the offense, aiming for a vertical passing game. “He wants to go vertical with the ball. I”m gonna tell you that right now,” he said. The wide receiver reassured fans that McCarthy would adapt his tactics to fit the Steelers” needs, adding, “But he”s gonna do everything. He”s gonna tailor his offense and get things situated, but he”s Pittsburgh down. Everything that he”s done has been out of love, man.” Lamb concluded with a strong endorsement, saying, “Again, that”s another guy that I feel like I would run through a wall for. Mike did a great job of really just developing me my first five years in the league.”
McCarthy”s tenure with the Cowboys spanned from 2020 to 2024, during which the team recorded a regular season record of 49-35. His leadership saw Dallas achieve three consecutive seasons with twelve wins from 2021 to 2023. However, the Cowboys struggled in the playoffs, facing early exits for three consecutive years. McCarthy experienced a challenging final season with a 7-10 record in 2024, leading to his departure from Dallas.
Before his time in Dallas, McCarthy served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers for 13 years, where he famously led quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a Super Bowl victory over the Steelers in February 2011. Being a native of Pittsburgh, many view his return to the city as a poetic chapter in his coaching career. Upon his introduction to the Steelers, McCarthy remarked, “Oftentimes, coaches and players put on new team colors, and it takes a minute to feel comfortable in them. But, if you are blessed beyond measure, one day you put on the colors you”ve worn since you were brought home from Mercy Hospital.”
While fans may hold high hopes for McCarthy, their sentiments could shift depending on the outcomes in 2026. The Steelers have maintained a record above .500 since 2003, and McCarthy”s overall coaching record stands at 174-112-2. Despite the challenges ahead, the expectation is that McCarthy”s leadership will help the Steelers continue their history of success.
