What if McCarthy was the only option?

I know we like to think that the Steelers are a top tier job in the NFL, but if we're being honest, out of the openings, it is't the best this year. No QB on the roster. Weak QB draft class. Only 1 WR who has drop issues. An aging D that vastly underperformed and was over paid. What if the top choices indicated they didn't want to come here? McCarthy very well might have been the best option available

 

I'm not sure the current composition of the roster should be that big a deal here though. We know Rooney isn't going to fire a HC. That means no matter how poor the talent may be for a HC coming in, he's going to have plenty of time to build the team. It's not like being hired to another team where you better be winning in three years or get fired. It might even be attractive to a new coach to be able to come in and start from scratch and build the team he wants, again, knowing that he's going to have plenty of time to do it.

 

Bills and Ravens are better jobs because they have a QB.

Steelers is a good job. There are holes in the roster but they have a lot of picks in this draft and they also have a lot of cap flexibility. A good HC can build the team in his image quickly.

It’s a stable organisation, and I think fans would be patient with a new coach once they see that there is a plan.

 

We have a roster that won 10 games and the division with a 42 year old QB and one viable WR. I know people like to crap on the roster, but it’s at least solid. It has holes, but it’s not a bottom feeder roster. Hardly the case.

If Mike McCarthy is the only option that would take the job here, then the franchise is a joke. There isn’t a feeling anywhere around the league that this is the case. They made a joke of a decision, but we aren’t a poverty franchise like the Raiders, Browns, or Cardinals (who actually are only going to be able to hire literally anyone that will willingly take the job).

We can spin this however we want, but the reality is that we’re stuck with McCarthy for at least the next 4 years. If it fails, then the GM has to pay the price. There is no doubt that ownership and FO knew that this would be highly unpopular with the fan base. They’re sticking their neck out on this one.

 

Basing the decision on the existing quarterback would be very short sighted

If you want a long term job your second two sentences are the answer

 

McCarthy was probably cheaper than Shula would have been

 

Fair. But if you’re a coach looking for a spot and you see the opportunity to work with Allen it has to be tempting

That said, the Bills have problems. A lot of free agents leaving and they have no money. They HAVE to nail this upcoming draft

 

I dont buy it. We have alot of draft picks and the best job security and a winning culture. I think ARII just liked McCarthy and pulled the trigger - unwilling to wait.

Noll was a top DC for the Colts in the late 60’s, didnt stop him from taking over the worst team in the league with no Qb and a terrible defense.

Cowher took over the Steelers with Bubby and an unproven guy named O Donnell. And a young defense but still coming off a losing season at 7-9.

 

Have to wonder how much power a HC has here in Pittsburgh.

 

If we are being honest they won the division because LJ and Burrow missed multiple games this season. And they were a wide right kick from not winning it.

 

Even if Burrow stayed healthy the Bengals weren't going to the playoffs with that sorry defense, the Ravens were losing games before Lamar got injured.

 

I really thought they would grab 1 or both the Rams guys.
Mike McCarthy was a bit of a shock in all honesty.
Even as a shock, and even as a 'safe' hire... I'm not jumping off a ledge as some are.
I think with McCarthy, the Steelers could set themselves up if they grab an OC and DC which one could possibly be the next HC.
Even with 10 wins, this roster is not good.
There's some work to be done and a little experience might go a long way as we know the GM needs to be pushed some.
A young hotshot coordinator could inherit a decent team.

Smith couldn't get hired by any NFL team and went to the college ranks.
Austin might well retire.
Those two coordinators were not good.

Myself, I'm going to withhold any real judgement until I see what staff he can put together and how the roster shapes up.

 

A reasonable approach at this point. Too much handwringing considering the uncertainty of the staff.