What happened: Heyward said both coaches share deep football knowledge and a drive to win. He pointed to daily workflow and practice scheduling as clear differences.
Why it matters: The comparison offers a locker-room view of Pittsburgh’s first coaching transition of Heyward’s career. Changes in scheme, terminology and logistics require established veterans to reset routines entering the 2026 season.
By the numbers: Pittsburgh’s practice start moved 2 hours, 55 minutes earlier, from 1:55 p.m. under Tomlin to 11 a.m. under McCarthy.
What to watch: Pittsburgh’s season opener will provide the first regular-season measure of how McCarthy’s approach carries into game preparation.