PITTSBURGH — The Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh just hit its first significant speed bump. In a move that sends shockwaves through the Steelers’ offseason plans, top offensive coordinator candidate Scott Tolzien has formally declined the position, opting to remain with the New Orleans Saints. The decision leaves McCarthy without his preferred lieutenant and potentially throws a wrench into the franchise’s most critical offseason objective: re-signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Tolzien Snub: Why He Stayed NOLA Bound
Sources confirmed Tuesday that Tolzien, the Saints’ quarterbacks coach, informed the Steelers he would not be reuniting with his former Green Bay boss. Instead, he will continue working under Saints Head Coach Kellen Moore. The primary driver? The opportunity to finish what he started with breakout quarterback Tyler Shough.
Shough, who took over for Spencer Rattler midway through the 2025 season, credited Tolzien heavily for his rapid development. With the Saints’ offense finding a rhythm late last year, Tolzien’s decision signals he views the “Big Easy” as a faster track to a future head coaching gig than playing second fiddle in Pittsburgh.
The Rodgers Ripple Effect
The implications for Aaron Rodgers are massive. The 42-year-old quarterback, currently a free agent after a solid 10-7 campaign under Mike Tomlin in 2025, has been non-committal about returning for the 2026 season. The arrival of McCarthy—his former Packers head coach—already added a layer of complexity to the negotiations given their well-documented history.
Tolzien was viewed as the perfect buffer. A former backup to Rodgers in Green Bay (2013-2015), he maintains a close relationship with the four-time MVP. The hope inside the Steelers’ facility was that Tolzien’s presence would bridge the gap between Rodgers and McCarthy, soothing any lingering friction from their Green Bay exit. Without that familiar face in the room, Rodgers’ “mutual interest” in an extension might cool.
“I intend to call the plays. That’s what I do. It’s about rhythm, it’s about control.” — Mike McCarthy, Introductory Press Conference (Jan 2026)
McCarthy’s public declaration that he will retain play-calling duties likely limited the pool of interested candidates. For a rising star like Tolzien, the Steelers’ OC job offered the title but not the controls. In New Orleans, while Kellen Moore runs the show, Tolzien has direct autonomy over Shough’s development—a tangible résumé builder that a “non-calling coordinator” role in Pittsburgh simply cannot match.
What’s Next: The scramble for an OC
With Tolzien out, McCarthy must pivot quickly. The Steelers need an offensive mind willing to accept a collaborative role rather than a command role. If they can’t find the right fit soon, the uncertainty could push Rodgers toward retirement—or another team—leaving Pittsburgh with a DK Metcalf-led receiving corps but no Hall of Famer to get him the ball.
