Mike McCarthy has been the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and now, the Pittsburgh Steelers, three of the NFL’s legacy franchises. Being at the helm of three historic franchises is a unique accomplishment.

But being the head coach of his hometown Steelers clearly has meaning for McCarthy.

While McCarthy was emotional in his introductory press conference in Pittsburgh, former Packers vice president Andrew Brandt shared a story from McCarthy’s interview in Green Bay that illustrates just how much his hometown means to him.

“This guy was, and is, Pittsburgh through and through,” Brandt said on his Business of Sports podcast this week. “I just remember in his interview 20 years ago this week where Mike was asked to describe himself, it was all about Pittsburgh. He said, ‘I’m just a football guy from Pittsburgh’. And he actually named the neighborhood, Greenfield. And he talked about that and his dad owning a bar there and he talked a lot about being a toll collector on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, which was a job he was very proud of.

“So, it’s heartwarming to see Mike back in coaching and back in Pittsburgh.”

Brandt was in the Packers front office when they hired McCarthy as their head coach in 2006. At the time, McCarthy had just completed his one and only season as offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers. Prior to that, he spent five seasons in the same role with the New Orleans Saints.

The love for Pittsburgh that McCarthy expressed in his Green Bay interview also was apparent in his first press conference as head coach of the Steelers.

“I understand and embrace the responsibility, the privilege and the weight that comes with this stewardship,” McCarthy said in his opening remarks, fighting back tears at times. “This city, this franchise, this fanbase means the world to me because Pittsburgh is my world. It’s just awesome to be back here.”

It’s clear that the opportunity to be the head coach in Pittsburgh is extra meaningful for McCarthy. It should come as no surprise that even as far back as 2006 when he was interviewing for his first head coaching opportunity in another city, McCarthy’s affection for his hometown stood out.

For the Steelers, McCarthy’s history and familiarity with the city was surely in no way a hinderance, but his hiring had more to do with his track record of winning and offensive success. If McCarthy can find and develop a quarterback of the future and keep the Steelers a competitive team, the selection will be remembered as a success.

It should be noted that McCarthy has lofty goals with his hometown team.

“When we do get that seventh trophy in the case, we’ll start that victory parade at 1137 Greenfield Avenue,” McCarthy said to end his opening remarks at his introductory press conference.