Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich’s Pittsburgh homecomings get real as preseason begins

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich are preparing for their Pittsburgh homecomings as the preseason kicks off. McCarthy, the first-year head coach of the Steelers, was emotional when hired in January, while Heidenreich walked onto the draft stage in full Naval dress uniform just a few miles from his hometown. Both are aware that reality awaits when they take the field for Green Bay in the preseason opener.

Heidenreich dismissed comparisons to NFL star Christian McCaffrey, focusing instead on proving himself on special teams. McCarthy, who has never coached at his hometown team before, is focused on seeing how his young quarterbacks perform and the progress of his team.