One former Pittsburgh Steelers player is not particularly enthusiastic about the team’s decision to hire Mike McCarthy as head coach.
Running back Le’Veon Bell, who spent five seasons with the Steelers, suggested that the team is heading for some bad seasons under McCarthy. In a post on X Saturday, Bell predicted that the team was bound for a 4-13 record, but that some fans would still be satisfied because it means Mike Tomlin left.
“4-13 incoming .. but hey, at least Mike Tomlin isn’t the coach of the Steelers anymore right?” Bell wrote.
4-13 incoming .. but hey, at least Mike Tomlin isn’t the coach of the Steelers anymore right? https://t.co/g0vhiK9Znd
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) January 24, 2026
Bell’s commentary arguably has less to do with the McCarthy hire and more to do with him being an ardent supporter of Tomlin. He has consistently argued that Steelers fans have not properly appreciated Tomlin, and that McCarthy is going to prove just how good the fans have had it.
It should be noted that McCarthy has never had a 4-13 season. He has made the playoffs in 12 of his 18 seasons as a head coach. While it’s fair to criticize his hire as unimaginative and overly safe, his track record of success is a huge reason why he got the gig in the first place.
