Mike McCarthy is the current head coach of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. The 62-year-old was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 10, 1963. He has been married to Jessica Kress since March 15, 2008. The couple has five children between them: Alexandra (from McCarthy’s previous marriage to Christine), Gabrielle and Isabella (daughters with Jessica), and Jack and George (sons from Jessica’s previous marriage, whom McCarthy has embraced as his own).
McCarthy began his career as a tight end for Baker University, graduating in 1987 with a degree in business administration and earning two all-conference selections. He was the team captain in 1986 when his team finished as the national runner-up in NAIA Division II.
After a brief stint playing semi-professional football, he switched to coaching in 1989. He is one of the most accomplished and experienced head coaches in NFL history, having led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory. With his recent hiring by the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCarthy returns to his hometown to lead the franchise he grew up rooting for.
Mike McCarthy’s Salary
McCarthy earns an estimated $8-10 million per year as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers under a five-year contract signed in January 2026. During his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys (2020-2024), McCarthy earned approximately $8 million annually under his initial contract.
What is Mike McCarthy’s Net Worth in 2026?
As per Celebrity Net Worth’s report, McCarthy has an estimated net worth of $20-25 million. A major part of his total earnings comes from his extensive coaching contracts spanning over 30 years in the NFL, including lucrative deals with the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Additional wealth comes from endorsement deals and his involvement with the McCarthy Family Foundation.
Mike McCarthy’s Contract
McCarthy signed a five-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in January 2026, with an estimated annual salary of $8-10 million. McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys mutually parted ways on January 13, 2025, after five seasons. During his Cowboys tenure, he earned approximately $8 million per year under his initial contract signed in 2020.
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Mike McCarthy’s Coaching Career
University of Pittsburgh (1989-1992)
McCarthy began his coaching career at the University of Pittsburgh in 1989 as a quarterbacks coach under head coach Mike Gottfried. He spent four seasons in this role.
Kansas City Chiefs (1993-1998)
McCarthy joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993 as an offensive assistant coach and quality control coach. In 1994-1998, he was promoted to quarterbacks coach, working under head coach Marty Schottenheimer. During this period, he mentored and developed quarterbacks while the Chiefs consistently made playoff appearances, compiling a 65-39 record during his tenure.
New Orleans Saints (2000-2004)
McCarthy joined the New Orleans Saints in 2000 as offensive coordinator under head coach Jim Haslett, a position he held for five seasons (2000-2004). Over this period, the Saints compiled a 42-38 record.
San Francisco 49ers (2005)
McCarthy served as the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive coordinator in 2005 under head coach Mike Nolan. In his single season, McCarthy worked with rookie quarterback Alex Smith in a challenging 4-12 campaign.
Green Bay Packers (2006-2018)
On January 11, 2006, at age 42, McCarthy was named the 14th head coach of the Green Bay Packers, becoming the NFL’s youngest head coach at the time.
McCarthy’s inaugural season (2006) saw the Packers finish 8-8. In 2007, the Packers surged to 13-3 and reached the NFC Championship Game. The following seasons featured strong regular-season performances, with McCarthy’s teams making the playoffs nine of his 13 seasons (eight consecutive from 2009-2016).
Despite placing 25 players on injured reserve throughout the 2010 season, McCarthy guided the Packers to a 10-6 record. Green Bay entered the playoffs as the sixth seed and defeated the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons 48-21 in the NFC Championship Game. Super Bowl XLV saw the Packers defeat McCarthy’s hometown Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 on February 6, 2011, bringing Green Bay its first championship since the 1996 season.
Over 13 seasons with the Packers, McCarthy compiled a 125-77-2 regular season record (.618 winning percentage) and a 10-8 playoff record. He finished his tenure in Green Bay with the second-most wins in franchise history behind only Vince Lombardi, and holds the record for most playoff wins (10) in Packers history.
His tenure included five NFC North division titles, including the 2011 season, when the Packers achieved a franchise-record 15-1 regular-season record despite not reaching the Super Bowl. McCarthy was fired on December 30, 2018, after a 4-6-1 season.
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Dallas Cowboys (2020-2024)
McCarthy was hired by the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2020. He took over a franchise that had won a playoff game only twice in 24 seasons.
In his inaugural season (2020), McCarthy posted a disappointing 6-10 record after the Cowboys dealt with injuries. However, from 2021-2023, McCarthy scripted a remarkable turnaround. The Cowboys won 12 games in three consecutive seasons (2021, 2022, 2023), becoming the first team in Super Bowl-era history to do so and earning three consecutive NFC East titles.
Despite this success, the Cowboys struggled in the playoffs. Mike McCarthy compiled a disappointing 1-3 playoff record in Dallas, including three consecutive first-round home losses to the San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers. His lone playoff victory came in the 2022 Wild Card Round at Tampa Bay, in Tom Brady’s final game before retirement.
Over five seasons, McCarthy posted a 49-35 regular season record (.583 winning percentage) with three playoff appearances. The Cowboys’ inability to advance beyond the divisional round, despite winning 12 games three straight years, became the black patch of his tenure. McCarthy and the Cowboys mutually parted ways on January 13, 2025.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2026-Present)
On January 27, 2026, McCarthy was named the 17th head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history, replacing the legendary Mike Tomlin, who had coached the team for 19 seasons. This homecoming was emotional for McCarthy, who grew up in Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood as a passionate Steelers fan and whose father was a firefighter and police officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Super Bowls did Mike McCarthy win?
Mike McCarthy has won one Super Bowl as a head coach. He led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory on February 6, 2011, defeating his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25.
What is the average salary of an NFL coach?
The average salary of an NFL head coach is around $6.6 million annually. Top earners include the Chiefs HC Andy Reid at approximately $18-20 million, Sean Payton at approximately $18 million, and John Harbaugh at approximately $20 million.
Is Mike McCarthy married?
Mike McCarthy is married to Jessica Kress, a teacher and philanthropist. The couple married on March 15, 2008, and have five children between them: Alexandra (from McCarthy’s previous marriage to Christine), Gabrielle and Isabella (daughters with Jessica), and Jack and George (sons from Jessica’s previous marriage whom McCarthy has embraced as his own). McCarthy was previously married to his high school sweetheart, Christine, from 1990 until their amicable divorce in 1995.
How much do NFL assistant coaches make?
NFL assistant coaches make around $5.5 million every year on average. However, offensive coordinators and other senior assistant coaches often earn significantly more, typically ranging from $1.5-3 million annually, depending on experience and track record.
Does Mike McCarthy have a degree?
Mike McCarthy attended Baker University (now Baker Wildcats), where he earned a degree in business administration in 1987. At Baker, he was a two-time all-conference tight end and team captain in 1986, when his team finished as the national runner-up in NAIA Division II. He initially attended Salem University in West Virginia before transferring, and also spent time at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona before settling at Baker.
