The Steelers head coach apologized after cameras caught him and his quarterback trading curses during Thursday’s loss in Cleveland.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy expressed regret after television cameras caught him and quarterback Aaron Rodgers trading expletives during Thursday night’s 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland.
The exchange happened in the first quarter of the game. Broadcast microphones caught Rodgers shouting, “f—— call it,” after growing frustrated over the pace of play-calling. McCarthy appeared to fire back toward his quarterback, calling him a “f—— a——.”
Speaking in his postgame press conference, the Steelers coach addressed the heated video. “Communication, sometimes, is not the best choice of words, but everybody’s competing on the field. I think what’s said on the field, the way I grew up in this game, usually stays on the field. That’s not the case today,” McCarthy said. “I understand that. Any negative communication on my part, I wish I wouldn’t have used those words.”
Sideline history
McCarthy coached Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers from 2006 to 2018, with Rodgers taking over as the starting quarterback in 2008. The two reunited in Pittsburgh for the 2026 season, which marks the quarterback’s final campaign before retirement.
How the game played out
Pittsburgh opened Thursday’s game with a 17-play, 9:48 touchdown drive after forcing a Cleveland three-and-out. The momentum didn’t last. Browns cornerback Denzel Ward intercepted Rodgers on Pittsburgh’s next possession, sparking a 21-point second quarter for Cleveland. The Browns led 21-10 at halftime.
The Steelers trailed by 14 late in the first half but tied the score at 24 with 1:48 remaining in the fourth quarter on a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson then moved Cleveland into Pittsburgh territory, setting up Andre Szmyt for a 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left.
Rodgers completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, with the final pick coming on a Hail Mary throw as time expired. He was sacked five times.
The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 2-2, while the Browns improved to 3-1. The Steelers return home to host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5 on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m. ET.
