Mike McCarthy's connection could shape Garrett Nussmeier’s NFL future as the Steelers eye quarterback options.

Garrett Nussmeier’s NFL future may not depend only on arm talent or college tape. His path could run through a coaching relationship that started years before draft boards took shape.

As the Steelers study quarterback options for the 2026 NFL Draft, Mike McCarthy’s link to the Nussmeier family gives Pittsburgh rare insight into the LSU passer.That link matters because Pittsburgh is still searching for a reliable quarterback. The franchise has rotated starters since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. If the Steelers want a young QB they can develop, McCarthy’s history with the position puts him at the center of that decision.

Why Mike McCarthy’s history with the Garett Nussmeier family stands out

Mike McCarthy built his fame by developing quarterbacks, most notably Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay from 2006 to 2018. NFL insiders still view him as a detail-driven coach who focuses on footwork, timing, and decision-making. When he took the Big D. job in Jan. 2020, he made his philosophy clear. “I’m a builder. I’m a teacher,” McCarthy said during his introductory press conference on January 8, 2020, in Frisco, Texas.

That mindset shapes how he views young passersDoug Nussmeier, Garrett’s father, worked on several NFL staffs and served as quarterbacks coach with the Cowboys from 2020 to 2022. That role put him in McCarthy’s offensive meeting rooms daily. Coaches talk football beyond the playbook in those settings. They talk about habits, preparation, and how young quarterbacks grow. Through that overlap, McCarthy gained early insight into Garrett’s development at LSU, his approach to film study, and his handling of coaching.The young QB has the caliber to fit a structured system. He throws with anticipation and shows comfort working through pocket progressions. He still needs to limit risky throws and protect the ball when pressure closes in. Those are coachable issues, especially in an offense that values timing and discipline.The Pittsburgh Steelers hold valuable draft capital in 2026 and face a clear question at quarterback. If McCarthy believes Nussmeier’s strengths match his system and trusts the background he knows, that link could push the Steelers to act. That decision would not just fill a roster spot. It could shape the next era of Steelers football.