Steelers' new hire might rule out Aaron Rodgers return to Pittsburgh

When the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, it seemed a chance for Aaron Rodgers to return and have a reunion with his former Green Bay Packers coach.

But after another coaching move in Pittsburgh, a Rodgers return might be less likely.

On Monday, the Steelers were reported to have hired Frank Cignetti Jr. to McCarthy's staff, according to Gerry Dulac.

Cignetti was the Packers' quarterback coach in 2018, and yes, he's Indiana coach Curt Cignetti's brother.

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This Cignetti was on staff at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and previously at the University of Pittsburgh.

Now, he joins McCarthy and the Steelers.

The problem is that he may not have had the best relationship with Rodgers.

This is what Packers reporter Aaron Nagler shared on X in the past about Rodgers' relationship with Cignetti:

Fun story, Rodgers was so pissed that McCarthy let Van Pelt walk he refused to speak to Cignetti, who for much of the year had to relay anything he wanted to say to Rodgers through Boyle. Good times.

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It's obviously hard to know to what extent Rodgers and Cignetti's relationship may have really deteriorated, but that certainly doesn't seem encouraging.

At the same time, it's unlikely McCarthy would both believe a Rodgers reunion is possible and hire someone that he thinks would keep Rodgers away.

Somehow, this will all work out the way it likely was going to all along, but there's certainly a sign or two that this hire might not be amenable for Rodgers.

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