After a Series of Former Packers, Mike McCarthy Pushes Steelers to Sign His Favorite Green Bay Player – Fans Call it “New York Packers”

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – February 2, 2026

After a series of former Green Bay Packers players and staff joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is continuing his push to bring another one of his favorite players from Green Bay to Pittsburgh. This time, McCarthy is advocating for the signing of quarterback Malik Willis, a move that has fans referring to the Steelers as the "New York Packers."

As the Steelers struggle with a significant lack of depth at quarterback, McCarthy’s suggestion to sign Willis is seen as part of a broader strategy to "reunite" with his former Green Bay assistants and players. Much like Aaron Rodgers did with the New York Jets, McCarthy seems intent on bringing familiar faces from his Packers days to Pittsburgh, fostering a sense of continuity and familiarity.

The “Packers connection” is growing stronger in Pittsburgh, with McCarthy leading the charge. Below is a breakdown of the key personnel who have worked with McCarthy in Green Bay and are now part of the Steelers organization:

James Campen – Offensive Line Coach
Campen worked with McCarthy from 2006 and served as the Packers’ offensive line coach for 11 years (2007-2018). After two years away from the NFL, he has now reunited with McCarthy in Pittsburgh. Known for his strong work with offensive lines, his return is seen as a major move to strengthen Pittsburgh’s front.

Jahri Evans – Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Evans, a former Packers offensive lineman, played his final season in 2017 under McCarthy. A Hall of Fame finalist, Evans had recently been serving as the assistant offensive line coach for the New Orleans Saints. His knowledge and experience make him a valuable addition to the Steelers’ coaching staff.

Patrick Graham – Defensive Coordinator
Graham, who was part of McCarthy's staff in 2018 as the linebackers coach and run game coordinator, has gone on to have a successful career as a defensive coordinator for the Dolphins, Giants, and Raiders. Now back in Pittsburgh, his experience with McCarthy’s defensive philosophies could bring stability and growth to the Steelers’ defense.

Jason Simmons – Defensive Pass Game Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach
Simmons began his coaching career under McCarthy at the Packers in 2011, spending nearly a decade there before moving on. He is now back with McCarthy at the Steelers as their defensive pass game coordinator, further cementing the Packers' influence in Pittsburgh.

Scott McCurley – Inside Linebackers Coach
McCurley spent 13 years with McCarthy at the Packers, followed by five more seasons with him at the Cowboys. He has already been part of the Steelers’ staff since 2025, continuing to work alongside McCarthy in Pittsburgh.

Scott Tolzien – Offensive Coordinator Candidate
Tolzien, who was a backup quarterback for the Packers under McCarthy, is now a candidate for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator position. Having previously worked with McCarthy as a quarterbacks coach with the Cowboys and more recently with the Saints, his familiarity with McCarthy’s system makes him a strong contender for the role. He was interviewed on February 2, 2026.

With McCarthy assembling a staff made up of familiar faces from Green Bay, the Steelers’ offseason plans have become a topic of conversation. The combination of former Packers players and coaches, coupled with McCarthy’s strong leadership, makes Pittsburgh an increasingly intriguing team to watch as the 2026 season approaches.

As for Willis, the idea of bringing in the 25-year-old quarterback, who has shown promise as a dual-threat player, could address the Steelers’ quarterback needs while also aligning with McCarthy’s vision for the offense. If the Steelers do sign Willis, the "New York Packers" narrative will only grow stronger, as McCarthy continues to make Pittsburgh a destination for his former Green Bay colleagues.

Fans will be eagerly awaiting further updates on these developments as the Steelers continue to shape their coaching staff and roster for the upcoming season.