Former NFL-MVP Explains Why Mike McCarthy Could Unlock Steelers' Next QB
One of the hottest topics of the Pittsburgh Steelers' offseason has been how they handled the quarterback position. The Steelers, of course, reunited Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers for one final run before the future Hall of Fame quarterback retires. In the process, however, Pittsburgh passed on other options such as Kyler Murray and Malik Willis, a decision that drew criticism from multiple media outlets, including ESPN.
The Steelers didn't completely bypass investing in a young quarterback, though. They selected Drew Allar in the third round of the NFL Draft. If there's one person who believes McCarthy can maximize a quarterback's potential, it's former NFL MVP Rich Gannon. While speaking with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Gannon praised McCarthy's impact on his career.
"If I had someone like Mike [McCarthy] in the first half of my career, it would have been a lot different," Gannon said of McCarthy. "He just made me a better player."
Gannon entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 1987. After joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 1995, he worked with quarterbacks coach... Mike McCarthy. McCarthy helped Joe Montana return from injury after his trade to Kansas City while also playing a key role in revitalizing Gannon's career. The two spent four seasons together before Gannon signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he won NFL MVP just a few years later.
McCarthy the quarterback whisperer
McCarthy has earned his reputation as a quarterback guru largely because of his consistent track record of developing quarterbacks. Gannon explained that McCarthy's unmatched attention to detail and preparation separated him from every other coach he had worked with.
"I was almost 30 years old before I learned how to prepare for a week of football," Gannon said. "I had blinders on for the first seven years. I wasn't exposed to that type of preparation. I owe a lot to him … he's head and shoulder above everyone else."
McCarthy has enjoyed plenty of success as a head coach, but he first built his reputation as an assistant. Along the way, he worked with several future Hall of Fame and Pro Bowl quarterbacks. His resume provides plenty of evidence that he possesses a rare ability to develop quarterbacks. Now he faces the challenge the Steelers hired him to tackle: building the franchise's next long-term starter.
Will McCarthy's track record help him develop the Steelers' quarterback of the future?
McCarthy's resume arguably stands among the best in the NFL when it comes to quarterback development. Along with Gannon, he helped develop Aaron Brooks with the New Orleans Saints. Brooks, another former fourth-round pick, emerged as a playoff quarterback under McCarthy's guidance. McCarthy also, of course, played a major role in Aaron Rodgers' development with the Green Bay Packers. Now he'll turn his attention to developing the Steelers' next quarterback, giving fans plenty of reason for optimism.
Even quarterbacks such as Dak Prescott elevated their play under McCarthy. Prescott was already an established starter, but McCarthy helped him reach another level. He doesn't have a Dak Prescott on the Steelers' roster, however. Instead, he has Will Howard and Drew Allar, two young quarterbacks with intriguing tools and upside. While neither is a finished product, both have the potential to develop into serviceable NFL quarterbacks.
McCarthy will likely have a full season to develop both quarterbacks while Rodgers makes one final run. If all goes according to plan, one of them could emerge as the Steelers' quarterback of the future beginning in 2027 and beyond.
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 10:30 AM.