Mike McCarthy

Michael John McCarthy, born on November 10, 1963, is an American professional football coach. He is currently the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League, also known as the NFL. Before this, he was the head coach for the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers.

In 2011, McCarthy led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV, winning against his hometown team, the Steelers. He has also worked as an offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints.

Throughout his 17 seasons as a head coach in the NFL, McCarthy has built a strong record with 174 wins and only 112 losses in regular season games. He is one of just five head coaches, along with Tom Landry, Chuck Noll, Andy Reid, and Bill Belichick, who have led a team to the playoffs for eight years in a row. McCarthy is also known for having the second most wins in the history of leading the Packers, just behind Curly Lambeau.

Early life

Mike McCarthy was born and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in a neighborhood called Greenfield. His mom worked as a secretary and in restaurants, and his dad was a firefighter and police officer. He also owned a bar where Mike helped clean on Sundays before going to church. Mike grew up loving the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike has three sisters named Colleen, Ellen, and Kellie, and a brother named Joseph III. He went to St. Rosalia primary school, where he played basketball, and later attended Bishop Boyle High School.

Playing career and education

After high school, Mike first went to Salem University in West Virginia but then came home to help at his dad’s bar. In 1984, he went to Scottsdale Community College in Arizona and played football for one season. He then went to Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, where he played as a tight end and was team captain in 1986. He finished school in 1987 with a degree in business administration.

Coaching career

College

In 1987, Duane Dirk, the defensive coordinator at Fort Hays State University in Kansas, hired McCarthy as a defensive graduate assistant (GA). Over the next two years, McCarthy focused on linebackers and defensive ends. During this time, he also worked on getting his Master of Science degree in sports administration, which he finished in 1989.

After working at Fort Hays State, McCarthy tried to get a job at the University of Pittsburgh. Although there were no open positions, he persisted and was eventually offered a volunteer coach role without pay. He later worked under coach Paul Hackett.

Kansas City Chiefs

In 1993, McCarthy joined the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive quality control assistant. He worked with famous quarterback Joe Montana during his time there.

Green Bay Packers

McCarthy became the quarterbacks coach for the Packers, working with legendary player Brett Favre. In 1999, Favre had one of his best seasons under McCarthy’s guidance.

New Orleans Saints

In 2000, McCarthy became the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints. That year, the Saints had their best season ever, winning their first playoff game and ranking high in offense.

San Francisco 49ers

In 2005, McCarthy joined the San Francisco 49ers as offensive coordinator. The team struggled that season, but rookie running back Frank Gore had a strong performance.

Green Bay Packers (second stint)

McCarthy became the head coach of the Packers in 2006. He led the team to an 8–8 record in his first season. In 2007, the Packers had a great season, finishing 13–3 and reaching the NFC Championship Game.

In 2010, McCarthy guided the Packers to Super Bowl XLV, where they won against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was the team's fourth Super Bowl victory.

Dallas Cowboys

In 2020, McCarthy became the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. He faced many challenges, including injuries and difficulties adjusting to new rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, he led the team to a 12–5 record and an NFC East title.

Pittsburgh Steelers

In 2026, McCarthy was hired as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Awards

In 2007, McCarthy was chosen as the Motorola NFL Coach of the Year after earning Coach of the Week awards twice. He also received the NFL Alumni's Coach of the Year award from former players.

The next year, in 2008, McCarthy got a special service award at the Lee Remmel sports awards in Green Bay. Earlier, in 2000, he was picked as Assistant Coach of the Year for the National Football Conference by USA Today.

Personal life

Mike McCarthy and his wife Jessica have always liked to help people in need. They have supported many good causes together. They started a charity called the McCarthy Family Foundation. This foundation has helped children’s hospitals and given money to help police officers get safety gear.

Mike also holds a golf tournament each year to raise money for a children’s hospital. Their work has made a big difference in many communities.

Head coaching record