Edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who attended McCarthy’s introductory press conference, told The Christian Kuntz Podcast that he’s “really excited for it.” He noted McCarthy is “a Pittsburgh guy. He’s a Yinzer,” emphasizing the coach’s city-wide enthusiasm for the Steelers and the impact that could come with the new regime. Highsmith also acknowledged the change from Mike Tomlin era familiarity and expressed eagerness to see what the future holds.
Long snapper Christian Kuntz echoed the sentiment, saying he is “fired up” to play for McCarthy. The players’ comments underscore a growing belief that McCarthy’s local pride and Pittsburgh bona fides could energize the locker room as the 2026 season approaches.
McCarthy’s homecoming as Steelers coach also features a strong historical parallel: the organization’s past pattern of hiring locally, notably with Bill Cowher after Chuck Noll, and the sense that McCarthy’s ties to Pittsburgh run deep. The coach’s early years in the area include stints with the Pitt Panthers—serving as a graduate assistant from 1989 to 1991 and as wide receivers coach in 1992—before launching his NFL coaching career.
McCarthy’s opening press conference featured emotional remarks about what Pittsburgh and the Steelers mean to him, including a reflection that “Pittsburgh’s my world, and it’s just awesome to be back here.” He described the moment of returning to wear the Steelers colors as life-changing, a sentiment that appeared to resonate with Highsmith and Kuntz as they prepared to join a new staff.
Beyond the homecoming, McCarthy addressed topics such as Aaron Rodgers’s future, his quarterback-development philosophy, and the timeline for hiring assistants. Those themes, paired with his Pittsburgh passion, contributed to the players’ optimism about adapting to a new head coach who shares a lifelong connection to the city and its football culture.
As the Steelers move forward with McCarthy at the helm, Highsmith and Kuntz’s early commentary suggests a readiness to embrace the changes and a belief that the coach’s hometown roots could help drive a renewed competitive edge for Pittsburgh.
