The Pittsburgh Steelers have finalized their head coaching position by appointing Mike McCarthy, their fourth head coach since 1969. Since taking over, McCarthy has actively revamped his coaching lineup, including replacing offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Both coordinators, who faced challenges last season, were dismissed to make way for Patrick Graham and Brian Angelichio, coaches familiar from McCarthy’s time with the Green Bay Packers.
In addition to these significant changes, McCarthy has brought on nine other coaches to his staff. Among the few retained from Mike Tomlin’s previous regime is quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, who has been with the Steelers since 2024. This retention carries considerable weight, as Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger emphasized the importance of keeping Arth in place.
Ben Roethlisberger Praises the Decision to Retain Tom Arth
Ben Roethlisberger recently voiced his approval of Arth’s retention, highlighting his personal connection with the coach and his enthusiasm for the role. Roethlisberger shared on the Channel Seven podcast,
“One of the few people that they kept was Tom Arth, quarterback coach. I like this move,”
adding,
“This is a smart move, I got to golf with Tom last year. I really like him, like his passion.”
Roethlisberger’s support reflects the belief that Arth’s presence will provide stability for the quarterback unit amid a period of transition and uncertainty regarding the team’s quarterback future.
Pressure on Aaron Rodgers to Decide on His Steelers Future
The Steelers have recently urged quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a definitive decision about his future with the team within the next month, a significant change from last year’s more flexible timeline that allowed Rodgers until June to sign. This tighter deadline places added pressure on Rodgers ahead of the free agency period and underscores the urgency for the Steelers to plan their quarterback strategy.
Sports reporter Andrew Filliponi pointed out the stark contrast between this immediate timeline and the previous year’s delayed commitment window, emphasizing the team’s desire to resolve Rodgers’ status swiftly.
Tom Arth’s Role Crucial for Developing Young Talent
Roethlisberger highlighted the strategic importance of keeping Arth as the quarterback coach, particularly for nurturing the development of the Steelers’ sixth-round draft pick in 2025, Will Howard. Howard, a former Ohio State Buckeye, could see an opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback role if Rodgers opts not to return.
Roethlisberger said,
“I think it’s a smart move in the sense that you’re not exactly sure what’s going to happen at quarterback,”
and emphasized,
“I think a bigger deal is the development of Will Howard. You have Tom in there who has probably worked really close with Will over the last year, helping him… He’ll have a full-year relationship with Will, which will help with the transition from McCarthy.”
With many new coaches joining under McCarthy’s staff, Arth’s consistency offers a valuable anchor for a young quarterback like Howard. Additionally, if Rodgers does return, Arth could serve as an important intermediary between Rodgers and McCarthy, as their working relationship remains uncertain.
Implications for Steelers’ Quarterback Future and Team Stability
Maintaining Tom Arth as quarterbacks coach provides the Steelers with essential continuity at a pivotal position during a critical period. Given the unresolved status of Aaron Rodgers and the potential of developing Will Howard, Arth’s role could significantly influence the team’s transition and quarterback progression. The urgency for Rodgers to declare his intentions only intensifies the need for stable coaching support for whoever leads the offense in the coming seasons.
This coaching decision, backed by Roethlisberger, suggests the Steelers are preparing diligently for multiple scenarios at quarterback, aiming to balance immediate competitiveness with future growth under Mike McCarthy’s leadership.
Report: Our Steelers insider Jeff Hathorn says Omar Khan let Aaron Rodgers know that they need a decision "in a month". So before free agency.
That's a far cry from last year. pic.twitter.com/faakAtnNDR
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) January 28, 2026
