The Unexpected Call: How Pat McAfee Became a Steelers' Consultant for Mike McCarthy

You know, sometimes the stories behind the headlines are far more interesting than the headlines themselves. And in the high-stakes world of the NFL, where every coaching decision feels meticulously planned and vetted, it's particularly fascinating to hear about the Pittsburgh Steelers' rather unconventional approach back in 2019. Imagine this: the venerable Steelers, a franchise built on tradition and a certain stoic professionalism, picked up the phone to call… Pat McAfee. Yes, that Pat McAfee.

It sounds like something out of a sports comedy, doesn't it? But it's true. The story, which has floated around but gained clarity through McAfee himself and other reports, reveals that then-General Manager Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Mike Tomlin actually reached out to the outspoken former NFL punter and media personality. Their goal? To get an insider's take on Mike McCarthy, who was then a prime candidate for the Steelers' offensive coordinator position.

Now, you might be wondering, "Why Pat McAfee?" Well, it makes a bit of sense when you think about it. McAfee spent years playing under McCarthy during their time together with the Green Bay Packers. He saw McCarthy up close, day in and day out, in the locker room, on the practice field, and during games. Who better to offer a candid, unfiltered assessment of a coach's temperament, his approach to players, and especially his quarterback management style, than someone who experienced it firsthand?

The Steelers, at that juncture, were clearly on the hunt for a fresh perspective to invigorate their offense. McCarthy, fresh off his tenure as head coach in Green Bay, was a prominent name on the market. It’s a testament to Colbert and Tomlin’s willingness to truly turn over every stone, to look beyond the typical coaching trees and résumés, and to seek out unique insights that only a player like McAfee could provide. They weren’t just doing their homework; they were doing extra credit homework.

While the exact details of McAfee’s conversation remain private, it’s safe to assume he offered a balanced, honest assessment. He likely spoke to McCarthy's strengths, perhaps his leadership qualities or offensive mind, but probably also touched upon the challenges or specific nuances he observed. After all, McAfee is known for his candidness. Ultimately, the Steelers didn't hire McCarthy for the OC role – he, of course, went on to become the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh eventually brought in Matt Canada, a decision that, in hindsight, didn’t quite pan out, leading to his mid-season dismissal this past year and the subsequent hiring of Arthur Smith.

This little anecdote, though, really pulls back the curtain on how some of the league's most respected franchises go about their business. It shows a refreshing lack of ego, a genuine desire for thorough due diligence, even if it means picking up the phone and calling a former rival punter who now hosts one of the biggest sports shows around. It just goes to show you that sometimes, the best information comes from the most unexpected sources.