With Mike McCarthy settling into the Pittsburgh Steelers, one interview for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator role could have possibly reshaped the quarterback room. However, the path for an Aaron Rodgers extension has taken a hit. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that the target coach will remain with the New Orleans Saints.

“Sources: #Saints QBs coach Scott Tolzien plans to remain in New Orleans after interviewing for the #Steelers OC job. He was viewed as a top candidate for the job, but will remain with Kellen Moore to continue developing Tyler Shough,” NFL insider Schultz reported on his X account. 

While some fans were hoping for the past ties that Tolzien had to help with Rodgers’ extension, that hope seems dimmer now. Not only Tolzien, but as per the latest reports, coach Chase Haslett, who had also interviewed with the Steelers for the passing game coordinator position, will also be staying back in New Orleans.

Scott Tolzien has a long history with the new Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike McCarthy. Tolzien was a backup quarterback for McCarthy in Green Bay from 2013 to 2015, where he also played alongside Aaron Rodgers. While they were teammates back then, the idea of Tolzien returning to coach Rodgers now would have been a major shift in their dynamic. 

Tolzien has always held Rodgers in high regard, as he said, “I honestly really haven’t put a ton on respect for Aaron, in my opinion, one of the greatest passers that’s played this game.”

Rodgers has often acted as a mentor to younger players, including Tolzien himself in the past and, more recently, Steelers quarterback Will Howard. Because of this “big brother” relationship, some fans felt it might have been a bit awkward for Tolzien to step in as Rodgers’ coach.

However, it looks like that reunion won’t be happening. Despite being a top candidate for Pittsburgh’s Offensive Coordinator job, reports indicate that Tolzien has decided to stay with the New Orleans Saints as their quarterbacks coach for the 2026 season.

It is unclear whether the Steelers pushed him to leave or if he decided to step down from the position on his own. Pittsburgh may have hinted that they were looking for a different type of leader for their offense, or he might have simply withdrawn his name from consideration.

The Pittsburgh Steelers suggest that Rogers will return for 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly moving forward with the expectation that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return for the 2026 season. While many believed his career in Pittsburgh had ended following a wildcard playoff loss to the Houston Texans, team insider Mark Kaboly recently noted that the organization is under the impression he still wants to play. 

“What I’ve heard a lot is they’re expecting him to come back,” Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan. “They are under the impression that he still wants to play.“

This shift in momentum comes after the team replaced long-time head coach Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy.

The hiring of McCarthy is a significant factor in Rodgers’ potential return, as the two spent 13 seasons together in Green Bay. During that time, they won a Super Bowl, and Rodgers earned two MVP awards. 

Although team president Art Rooney II previously suggested that Rodgers’ time with the franchise might be over because his motivation to join the Steelers was rooted in playing for Tomlin, a potential reunion with McCarthy appears to have reopened the door for a 22nd NFL season.

To avoid the uncertainty of last year, when Rodgers’ decision stretched into the summer, the Steelers have reportedly established a one-month timeline for him to commit. This deadline allows the front office to finalize its offseason strategy and free agency plans without waiting indefinitely. 

If he does return, the team expects him to lead the offense while also serving as a veteran mentor for younger players like second-year quarterback Will Howard or a potential 2026 draft pick.