Mike McCarthy implements rotating captains policy for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 7:00 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has introduced a new operational strategy ahead of the team's Week 1 debut. The policy mandates a rotating captain system, moving away from the franchise's traditional model of permanent leadership. The team will also maintain secrecy regarding personnel groupings and depth chart details leading up to game days. Former quarterback Charlie Batch noted that this approach is unusual for the organization, citing decades of history involving fixed leadership roles. The shift follows a model reportedly used by Seattle last year. While the change impacts long-standing leaders like Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt, the coaching staff intends to foster increased competition within the locker room. McCarthy aims to keep opponents uncertain about the team's roster structure until kickoff.
- •Mike McCarthy replaced permanent team captains with a rotating weekly policy.
- •The Steelers are withholding specific depth chart and personnel details before games.
- •Charlie Batch stated the franchise has not previously operated without named captains.
- •The new structure shifts leadership duties away from established players like T.J. Watt.
- 7:00 PMYahoo Sports — Inside Mike McCarthy's unusual Week 1 preparation strategy
"Mike McCarthy brings a new operational blueprint to the Pittsburgh Steelers, altering leadership norms and game preparation ahead of Week 1.
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