The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era with the hiring of Mike McCarthy as their head coach, and his arrival could have a ripple effect on how the franchise approaches the 2026 NFL Draft, particularly at the most important position in football.
McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native and Super Bowl-winning coach, steps into a Steelers organization that has struggled with quarterback uncertainty in recent years.
His mandate is clear as he must revitalize the offense, bring consistency to the quarterback position, and guide a roster that has underperformed offensively.
McCarthy‘s reputation around quarterbacks is well established. Over nearly two decades in the NFL, he has worked closely with elite signal-callers, including Aaron Rodgers during his Hall of Fame-caliber stretch in Green Bay. That experience makes him one of the league’s most trusted quarterback developers, often referred to as a “QB whisperer.”
This pedigree is one reason Pittsburgh’s front office is expected to be aggressive in addressing the quarterback need in April’s draft.
With 12 selections at their disposal, the Steelers have a rare opportunity to reshape multiple positions, but none is as crucial as securing a franchise quarterback who can lead the team for years.
A unique subplot within this search revolves around one specific prospect: LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. Once projected by many evaluators as a first-round talent, Nussmeier‘s senior season saw inconsistencies that have left his draft stock in flux.
Still, he remains a compelling prospect thanks to his accuracy and ability to read defenses at a high level. While scouts have noted areas for improvement, including mobility and ball security, Nussmeier possesses the raw traits and football IQ that could allow him to develop into a starting quarterback under the right coaching staff.
The McCarthy-Nussmeier connection
What makes Nussmeier particularly intriguing for Pittsburgh is more than his skill set. His father, Doug Nussmeier, currently the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, worked directly under McCarthy during his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys as quarterbacks coach.
Between 2020 and 2022, the two developed a professional relationship that extended beyond typical coaching networks, meaning McCarthy has known Garrett since his early collegiate career.
That familiarity gives McCarthy a rare, firsthand understanding of Nussmeier‘s character and coachability, qualities that NFL teams value highly.
While the 2026 draft class is deep at multiple positions, having inside knowledge of a quarterback prospect could give Pittsburgh an edge other teams cannot match.
Success in developing a quarterback under McCarthy could define his tenure, potentially ending Pittsburgh’s recent struggles at the position and setting the foundation for a return to championship contention.
The 2026 offseason could be transformative for the Steelers, and Garrett Nussmeier may be at the center of that story – a quarterback with both the talent and the personal connection to McCarthy that could make him Pittsburgh’s answer at the most important position in football.
