Mike McCarthy's Steelers Debut: Odds & History

0:00From the Daily News Now Network, this is NFL News Today. Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game. The Pittsburgh Steelers are kicking off a new chapter with Mike McCarthy as their head coach, marking the first coaching change in over 20 years. After Mike Tomman stepped down, McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, brings fresh optimism to the team ahead of the 2026 season. After his hiring, the Steelers made smart free agency additions to strengthen the roster, all aimed at postseason wins. Those moves have boosted betting odds for a strong showing in McCarthy's debut year. Fans and analysts are buzzing with hope, but history offers a mixed bag for veteran coaches starting fresh. Tony Dungee led the Indianapolis Colts to a 10-6 record in playoffs in 2002, while Andy Reed guided the Kansas City Chiefs to 11-5 a decade later. Not every transition goes smoothly, though. Bill Belichek stumbled to 5-11 in his first year with the New England Patriots and coaches like Jeff Fisher, Tom Coughlin, and Pete.

1:02Carol also posted losing records right out of the gate. Super Bowl triumphs in a coach's first season are rare gems, with just John Gruden in 2002, and Gary Kubiak in 2015 pulling. It off among established leaders. The Steelers are banking on McCarthy to defy the odds and make noise from day one. DNN is brought to you by our sponsor. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.