Jan. 27 will go down as a day that many fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers will not soon forget, as, coinciding with his introductory press conference, Mike McCarthy’s hiring as their next head coach became official.

This comes two weeks after former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down from his position with the team.

However, the Pittsburgh-native’s new hire has not come without backlash from fans.

Criticism has been directed at McCarthy for his similarities to Tomlin, as fans were hoping the team would be entering a new era.

Especially with his ties to Aaron Rodgers going back to their stint with the Green Bay Packers, there is a chance McCarthy convinces Rodgers to return for one final season.

A possibility that has upset fans.

Concern has also been directed towards McCarthy’s age.

Turning 61 in November, McCarthy was not the youngest choice on the market, with many fans hoping for more youthful options like Brian Flores, Chris Shula, or Nathan Scheelhaase.

Although the hiring has received approval from legends within the organization.

Notably, two-time Super Bowl Champion Ben Roethlisberger stated on his podcast, “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger“: “We finally have an offensive-minded coach in here. I’m so excited for an offensive-minded head coach.”

Even former Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher commented.

“He knows the tradition, he knows what the expectation is, he knows what the fanbase is all about, he’s a yinzer. I think it’s a very good hire for the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said Cowher.

Despite the mixed media reception, the world is wondering if McCarthy can add a record seventh Vince Lombardi trophy to Pittsburgh’s catalog.

Whilst the future of the franchise is uncertain, time will only tell whether the Rooney family made the right move in hiring McCarthy.