Aaron Rodgers expressed his admiration for former head coach Mike McCarthy, calling him a “hell of a ball coach” during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday. This praise came after McCarthy’s exit from the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason.
Rodgers, who won his only Super Bowl under McCarthy’s leadership with the Green Bay Packers in 2010, shared his thoughts on the coach’s departure from Dallas. The New York Jets quarterback said he wasn’t surprised that some Cowboys players, including quarterback Dak Prescott and linebacker Micah Parsons, were upset by McCarthy’s exit, given the kind of coach and person he is.
McCarthy served as head coach of the Green Bay Packers for 13 seasons, from 2006 until his firing in 2018, and Rodgers was a constant presence under his leadership. The pair worked together for over a decade, with Rodgers starting every season as the team’s quarterback starting in 2008.
During McCarthy’s tenure, the Packers posted a 125-77-2 record, including nine playoff appearances. The pinnacle of their partnership came in 2010 when they won the Super Bowl, marking Rodgers’ only championship appearance to date.
Despite reported tension during their time together—particularly over play calling and receiver routes—Rodgers downplayed any lingering issues. He acknowledged that the winning seasons often overshadowed any challenges they faced, and he made it clear that he holds McCarthy in high regard.
Rodgers’ comments about McCarthy come after the coach’s recent interview with the Chicago Bears and continued speculation linking him to the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, Rodgers is facing questions about his own future. At 41 years old, he has just one season left on his contract with the Jets, and after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2024, the team now finds itself in search of a new head coach.
Aaron Rodgers’ praise for Mike McCarthy highlights the mutual respect that has remained between the two despite past challenges, and the bond they share from their Super Bowl run continues to be a key part of their respective legacies.
