Steelers RB Jaylen Warren Reflects on Tomlin's Exit, Praises Mike McCarthy's Energy

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren opened up about the emotional impact of Mike Tomlin's departure and shared his optimism for the new era under head coach Mike McCarthy. Warren, who rose from undrafted free agent to the team's lead back in 2025, delivered a career-high 958 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground, while adding 333 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Warren spent his first four NFL seasons under Tomlin, the longest-tenured head coach in Steelers history, who stepped down in January after 19 years at the helm. The transition has been challenging for the young running back.

"Me personally, I never thought he was the problem or whatever, but it sucks," Warren said on Good Morning Football. "I was -- I wouldn't say traumatized -- but it hurt, because he was the one who took me in as an undrafted [player], he gave me a shot, and that's who I was playing under for my first four years. To hear him resign, it sucked, but he had to do what he had to do."

Despite the emotional hit, Warren is embracing the new regime. He praised McCarthy for his energy and leadership as the Steelers begin their offseason program on April 7.

"He's been energetic," Warren said. "Obviously, it's an NFL week, so he's been doing his thing as far as preparing us for what he wants and is expecting us to expect from him. It's been great. I just love the energy he brings, and I just love what he's about."

The Steelers are also closely watching the situation around quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who played under McCarthy in Green Bay and with Pittsburgh in 2025. Rodgers did not reach the heights of his past with the Steelers, but he remains a key figure in the team's future. McCarthy confirmed he is in regular contact with Rodgers, and owner Art Rooney II expects a decision before the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins on April 23.

Warren, who caught 40 passes last season as one of Rodgers’ most trusted targets, remains open to whatever decision is made at quarterback.

"You know, I'm not really expecting anything," Warren said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm rocking with whoever's at the quarterback position. But if he comes back, great. If he doesn't, then we'll miss him."

The Steelers also aim to restore their once-dominant rushing attack, which ranked 26th in the league in rushing yards in 2025. Pittsburgh addressed the issue by signing Rico Dowdle to replace Kenneth Gainwell, adding a more physical presence to the backfield.

Warren is eager to work with Dowdle, another former undrafted free agent.

"I can't wait to rock with him," Warren said. "Things just happened the way they happened. Moving forward, whatever the coaches have planned, I know we're ready to execute it."

The Steelers will begin their offseason workouts in earnest this week, with the next major decision on the horizon being Rodgers' future. A decision is expected before the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins April 23.