The New York Jets are cleaning house on the coaching front, and one of the names now out of the building is Aaron Curry. After just one season with the team, Curry - who served as the Jets’ linebackers coach - is among the latest casualties in a sweeping staff overhaul under head coach Aaron Glenn.
Curry’s departure isn’t exactly surprising when you look at the broader picture. The Jets’ linebacker unit struggled for consistency all season, and while that group wasn’t the only one underperforming, it certainly didn’t help his case. Glenn didn’t just stop with Curry, either - both coordinators and several other position coaches were also let go, signaling a full reset for a team that’s clearly not satisfied with the direction things were heading.
For Curry, this marks a tough turn in what had been a steadily rising coaching trajectory. After cutting his teeth as the assistant outside linebackers coach in Seattle, he joined Pittsburgh three years ago and made a solid impression. With the Steelers, he played a role in the development of several young defenders, including promising rookie Payton Wilson, who showed flashes under Curry’s guidance.
However, Curry’s time in Pittsburgh came to an end when his contract expired - and the Steelers chose not to renew it. That opened the door for him to explore new opportunities, which led to his brief stint with the Jets. Unfortunately, that chapter didn’t last long.
This move puts Curry at a bit of a crossroads. Not long ago, he was viewed as a potential up-and-comer with defensive coordinator aspirations.
Now, he’ll need to recalibrate and rebuild his coaching stock after being let go so quickly. It’s not the end of the road, but it’s certainly a detour.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh filled Curry’s old role with Scott McCurley, the former Cowboys linebackers coach. McCurley brings plenty of experience and has strong ties to Mike McCarthy, which could bode well for his long-term fit on the Steelers’ staff. As for Curry, the next step will be finding the right situation to get back on track - because in the coaching world, it’s all about the next opportunity.