Jon Gruden Explains Why Mike McCarthy Could Transform the Steelers Quickly

Not only did Jon Gruden discuss former head coach Mike Tomlin’s potential trade value, but he also highlighted the type of coach Mike McCarthy is. McCarthy was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers in January after Tomlin retired following 19 seasons. He now takes over a team that won the AFC North and returns much of the talent that helped get it there. McCarthy is known as a quarterback whisperer in NFL circles. However, he has also built a reputation as an adaptable coach who will do whatever it takes to win.

Gruden joined Cam Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast, where the two discussed a variety of topics. During the conversation, Gruden recalled a story from his lone season at Pitt in 1991, when McCarthy served as a graduate assistant.

“McCarthy would put his helmet on,” Gruden said. ”He had the Pitt helmet on. He's holding the dummy at about 250, and the guys are stalking him. He's getting after him. It's the greatest video ever."

McCarthy a stabilizing presence in an era of change

Change is often difficult to navigate, especially after a head coach has led a team for more than 19 years. But McCarthy has consistently provided stability during periods of transition. He did it in Green Bay, did it again in Dallas, and now faces a similar challenge in Pittsburgh.

Whether it was strapping on a helmet as a graduate assistant or developing quarterbacks throughout his NFL career, McCarthy has earned Gruden’s respect. Gruden also hopes the Steelers' veteran leaders buy in early.

"I just hope he goes into Pittsburgh with a case of whoop a**," Gruden said. "And I hope you guys trust him and roll with him because he is a hell of a coach."

If there's one thing the veterans have done early, it's buy into the McCarthy era. Multiple players have commented on the differences under the new coaching staff, and there is a growing sense of confidence around the team. McCarthy now has an opportunity to follow the blueprint laid out by his former Pitt colleague.

McCarthy could replicate some of Gruden’s success

McCarthy isn't the first veteran head coach to inherit a playoff team. Gruden did the same after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers acquired him in a trade following Tony Dungy's dismissal. Like the Steelers, the Buccaneers needed a head coach who could revive the offense. Gruden, of course, led Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl title in his first season.

Now, McCarthy takes over for a legendary head coach whose coaching tree also includes Gruden, as Mike Tomlin served as one of Gruden's assistants on Tampa Bay's Super Bowl-winning staff. Similar to that Buccaneers team, McCarthy inherits an offense that has struggled in recent years but a defense that remains a consistent strength.

Unlike Gruden in 2002, however, McCarthy has the advantage of working with a quarterback who already knows his offensive system.

McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers reunite eight years after Green Bay moved on from McCarthy. Now, the pair will try to revamp Pittsburgh's offense while giving Rodgers one more opportunity to chase another Super Bowl. The question is whether McCarthy can replicate the immediate success Gruden enjoyed in his first season with Tampa Bay.