There was never much uncertainty regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers keeping head coach Mike Tomlin following yet another non-losing season and the expected Wild Card exit that accompanied it. His coordinators, Arthur Smith and Teryl Austin, will be with him as well; however, at least one alteration will occur in Pittsburgh’s coaching staff, stemming from an AFC rival. As initially reported by Ian Rapoport, the Steelers will be losing important assistant coach Aaron Curry to the New York Jets in a coaching change on Friday. Curry had served as the inside linebackers coach for Pittsburgh since 2023. In New York, he will receive a promotion, assuming the role of linebackers coach under defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and newly appointed head coach Aaron Glenn.
Curry’s coaching journey started at Charlotte in 2013 as a strength and conditioning coordinator, and he ultimately spent four years as the defensive line coach at the university. Following the 2018 season, he joined Pete Carroll’s team as an assistant with the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 to 2022. While with the Steelers, Curry achieved success, gaining the prestige that accompanies working under his second legendary coach.
Curry, selected fourth in the 2009 NFL Draft, played for the Seattle Seahawks, (then) Oakland Raiders, and New York Giants during his five-season career. The results of his efforts are likely most clear in the growth of rookie linebacker Payton Wilson. The newcomer demonstrated growth as the season progressed, ultimately fulfilling the “steal of the third round” remarks that accompanied his draft choice. He will now lead a unit featuring Quincy Williams and Jamien Sherwood, both of whom appeared to be emerging stars in 2024. The departure marks the Steelers’ initial change within the coaching staff, a shift that promotes continuity but hasn’t satisfied a fanbase worried about lack of progress.