Mike McCarthy has spoken with Aaron Rodgers “a number of times” since becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers coach but said those conversations didn’t include any decision about the quarterback’s future.
“Like anybody that’s played the game a long time, particularly at this point of their career, it’s important to get away,” McCarthy said Friday as a guest on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “So, that’s a normal process. I think it’s important for all these players to decompress and step away from the season. That’s really the mindset that he’s in.
“That’s really about as far as our conversations have gone, as far as if he’s coming back or not coming back.”
Rodgers hasn’t revealed whether he wants to return to the Steelers for another season, retire or play elsewhere. His Steelers tenure seemed likely to end after one season until the team hired his former coach. McCarthy and Rodgers won a Super Bowl together with Green Bay in 2011.
McCarthy said he hopes Rodgers does return, while appearing earlier Friday on the DVE Morning Show.
“I think Aaron is just going through his process and evaluating what he wants to do moving forward,” McCarthy said on WDVE. “But I’m right there with you. I hope he’s coming back.”
Rodgers passed for 3,322 yards and 24 touchdowns last season while leading the Steelers to an AFC North division title. McCarthy, who coached Rodgers for two of his four MVP seasons, said the 42-year-old proved he still can make the throws needed of him.
“When you look at the way he’s still able to play, he’ll be able to throw the football when he’s 70 years old,” McCarthy said. “He’s remarkably gifted in his ball placement, just having had a chance to watch most of the games. I was just so impressed with how he still throws it. Having a chance to look at some practice tape, he’s still doing it every day.
“Being comfortable with the offensive players, especially the perimeter guys, we have a chance to be a year improved on what was established this last year.”
Rodgers had said that this past season was likely his last after signing a one-year deal in June. However, his view on retirement seemed to soften as he played well in stretches late into the season.
After the playoff loss to the Houston Texans, Rodgers said he wouldn’t “make any emotional decisions.” He said he’d instead get away and have “the right conversations” about his future.
“This is normal for him at this time of year,” McCarthy said. “This has been my experience with Aaron and something I always encouraged him to do even in his younger years in Green Bay.”