Everyone in Pittsburgh was calling for changes after their latest postseason failure. Instead, the Steelers are resigned to being stuck in the middle. Expect little tweaks to their coaching staff and roster between now and next season. The first domino in coaching changes dropped, so they must find someone to replace them.
Aaron Curry recently left the Steelers' coaching job as their inside linebacker tutor for the New York Jets. Now help is needed.
He spent two years in Pittsburgh, and it appears his contract was up. He will join the Jets in the same role. It is not the amount of change that fans would like to see for the Steelers, but it is a start. Expect more coaches to depart in the coming weeks. Luckily for the organization, there are quality coaches who could be perfect replacements for Curry.
Jerod Mayo, former Patriots head coach
Things did not work out for the New England Patriots and Jerod Mayo. The long-time figure in New England was the successor to Bill Belichick. He only had one season to turn a team around that struggled under a future Hall of Famer just a season prior. Mayo failed, and now he is looking for his next opportunity.
He coached the Patriots linebackers for five years before jumping to their head coach in 2024. Mayo might not have worked out as a top coach, but he is still a young guy who saw success in a smaller gig.
People bash Mike Tomlin for his lack of a coaching tree, but Mayo could change that.
Antonio Pierce, former Raiders head coach
It's popular in the NFL to hire former players as coaches. Antonio Pierce is another former head coach searching for his next opportunity. It would be a nice addition to Tomlin's coaching staff. He might have failed as a top guy with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he has plenty of experience that is worth giving him an interview.
Pierce played linebacker with Washington and the Giants during his nine-year career. He then transitioned to a coaching role, where he spent time growing from high school to college and then to the NFL. Pierce is a great leader with a bright future in coaching. He could be a terrific person to lead the Steelers linebacking core.
READ MORE: Mike Tomlin botched easy path to lucrative coaching tree with familiar faces
Ryan Shazier/Vince Williams, Steelers alumni
Maybe the best course of action for Pittsburgh to find Curry's replacement is already in the building. Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams were popular players as Steelers inside linebackers. Playing the game and coaching are two different arts. They would have to continue to grow if they gained this promotion, but they are on the staff.
Shazier and Williams as co-inside linebacker coaches would be a bold move. Neither have professional experience as coaches, but they have been in the building with the team. They don't have official titles on the Steelers' website, but they are providing their insight.
Hiring Shazier and Williams would be risky, but it could entertain the fans.