Will Howard

MM's downfall has been his inability to put together a championship defense (or at least keep one) while having a top offense. Compare the defenses Roethlisberger had with the ones Rodgers had over their careers.
Now, is their enough inherent defensive knowledge in the Steelers building that they can compensate for this? I'm not real optimistic. But the Steelers decided it was time to start favoring offense because they haven't gotten close recently by favoring the defense. And I agree with this.

 

His guy?

There is no sign they have tried to get a guy

It is unlikely they will draft a guy

Heck they haven’t even made Rodgers an offer

Is he going with Mason and a guy with zero NFL experience

 

Who's fault was that in Green Bay???
Also what's the difference if You have a top D, or a top O if You don't get where you are trying to?? I don't care about stats. All I know is nobody outside of Steelers fans will put Ben in the same category as Rodgers, and yet we were able to go to 3 SBs with him, with Cowher, and Tomlin as HCs, and MM with Rodgers equals one SB appearance.

 

Mcarthy has a plan for a QB, i seriously doubt he took the job without a plan for the QB position, And my opinion is that it isnt Will Howard. If we dont sign anyone then I would bet Rodgers comes back and I would bet Mcarthy already knows if Rodgers is coming back.

 

I agree with the McCarthy already knows if ARod wants to come back part. Although, I think there may be a caveat or 2 in order to seal the deal.
As far as an unknown goes, Will Howard is a pretty strong QB prospect. His final year in college he did run a fairly complex offense and won a national championship. He has the continuity of Tom Arth as his QB coach also. As of today, I'm a fan.


I think McCarthy wanted another opportunity to be a head coach. I think his ties to the city of Pittsburgh make this a decent match as far as I don't think this is just a money grab for him. The 5yr contract gives us a pretty good window to fill out this roster and become contenders again.

 

And the Steelers got that information from a PR packet MM and his agent were shopping around after the season ended.

The title of “QB guru” is self assigned.



https://steelersdepot.com/2026/01/b...de-quarterback-development-pitch-to-steelers/


Let’s not act like suddenly the Steelers are doing deep dives on coaching candidates qualifications and bona fides. They hired Canada after all. Same group of decision makers.

Even take a more positive view and review the Tomlin hiring process. It was what happened in the interview room. Tomlin came in with a binder outlining his plans and won the room.

MM did the same thing. Just like he figured out what Jerry needed to hear last time. Steelers are desperate for QB play. MM sold a drowning man water. Good for him. It was a savvy move.

And it’s now on MM to make the claim hold up. A review of his career gives evidence of a pretty thin track record but some tangible evidence that he can back his claims.

Will he do it in Pittsburg? I’d bet no. But it’s likely too close to really call.

I just think that all the Steelers fans that are doing a simple calculation that MM + QB = AWESOME! Need to seriously pump the brakes.

At some point actual reality has to enter the conversation. I pulled together the stats and history for MM entire career to date. What in all of that demonstrates he’s anything special at developing QBs?

To me it looks like it’s Rodgers and then nothing special. Doesn’t mean MM isn’t good offensive mind. It just means he’s not likely hanging out in that upper echelon of coaches that can make any QB with a pulse look good.