The boys are officially back in town — only it's a different city. New Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is bringing many of his ex-Green Bay Packers comrades with him, all but foreshadowing an Aaron Rodgers reunion.
McCarthy hired three assistants from his 13-year tenure as the Packers' sideline general to join him in Pittsburgh: Patrick Graham, Jason Simmons, and James Campen. Retired Green Bay quarterback-turned-coach of the position Scott Tolzien is interviewing for the Steelers' offensive coordinator vacancy. Given all the mutual connections, it's beginning to feel inevitable that Rodgers follows suit.
What are we waiting for? At this rate, McCarthy may as well personally roll out the red carpet for Rodgers' return to Pittsburgh.
Mike McCarthy-Aaron Rodgers reunion feels all too obvious after Steelers hire several ex-Packers assistants
McCarthy said this week that he "definitely" wants Rodgers to return, and his actions back up that statement.
There was uncertainty surrounding Rodgers' next move following legendary Steelers leader Mike Tomlin's decision to step down. Whether it be hanging up the cleats or taking his talents elsewhere, the four-time MVP seemed unlikely to don the black and gold in 2026. However, McCarthy's arrival (plus Graham, Simmons, Campen, and possibly Tolzien) has ostensibly changed the calculus.
Campen was McCarthy's offensive line coach in Green Bay from 2007 through 2018 and will serve the same role with the Steelers. The Packers boasted one of the better blocking units annually during this stretch. Rodgers was typically well-protected, which should certainly appeal to him, assuming he suits up for his age-43 campaign.
Speaking of Rodgers' protection with the Packers, Pittsburgh's expected to bring on 2026 Hall of Fame finalist Jahri Evans as their assistant offensive line coach. The stalwart right guard took his talents to Green Bay for a last hurrah in 2017 before calling it a career.
Simmons held varying titles across his nine seasons with the Packers from 2011 to 2019. He was a trusted member of McCarthy's staff. Nevertheless, his expertise lies in the secondary, and Pittsburgh retained defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, so it'll be interesting to see how this shakes out.
Tolzien spent three years as Rodgers' understudy in Titletown. They developed a great relationship, with it being reported that the former was "more [of a Best Friend Forever] than backup QB" back in 2016. The established rapport could certainly factor into their choices to go to the Steelers.
Graham's ties don't run as deep as the other names mentioned, though he was briefly part of the crew in Green Bay. The 2018 season marked the beginning and end of his time as the club's inside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator. Yet, albeit to a much lesser degree, it's another familiar face for Rodgers.