The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting to work early this offseason, officially announcing three key additions to their coaching and support staff on Monday. Jason Simmons steps in as the new defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, Scott McCurley takes over as inside linebackers coach, and Steve Scarnecchia joins the organization as chief of staff.
Let’s start with Simmons, who brings a strong track record and familiarity with high-level defensive football. He spent the last two seasons with the Washington Commanders in the same role, working under Dan Quinn.
During that stretch, Washington’s pass defense ranked third in the NFL in 2024, allowing just 189.5 yards per game through the air - a testament to both scheme and execution. Simmons has also held similar positions with the Raiders and Panthers, giving him a well-rounded resume and experience across multiple systems.
And there's a familiar thread here - Simmons got his start in coaching with the Green Bay Packers, where he spent nine seasons working under Mike McCarthy, now the Steelers’ new head coach. That connection adds a layer of continuity as McCarthy looks to build his staff with trusted, proven voices.
Scott McCurley is another name with McCarthy ties and a coach who already has boots on the ground in Pittsburgh. A New Castle native, McCurley joined the Steelers ahead of last season and made an immediate impact with the linebacking corps.
Under his guidance, Patrick Queen and rookie Payton Wilson led the team in tackles, with Queen racking up 120 and Wilson close behind at 109. That kind of production from the middle of the defense speaks volumes about McCurley’s ability to develop talent and get the most out of his players.
Prior to his stint in Pittsburgh, McCurley served as linebackers coach in Dallas from 2020 to 2024 - again, under McCarthy - where he helped mold one of the league’s most aggressive defensive units.
Rounding out the trio of hires is Steve Scarnecchia, who takes on the role of chief of staff. While not a coaching position in the traditional sense, this is a crucial behind-the-scenes role that helps keep the football operation running smoothly.
Scarnecchia brings six seasons of experience in this capacity, having most recently worked with the Atlanta Falcons. Before that, he held the same title with the New York Jets.
His responsibilities have included everything from organizing daily meetings and practice schedules to managing the football operations budget and providing administrative support to both coaching and operations staff. In short, he’s the guy who helps make sure the trains run on time - a vital piece for a team looking to streamline operations under a new regime.
With these hires, the Steelers are continuing to reshape their identity under McCarthy. There’s a clear emphasis on familiarity, experience, and structure - and each of these additions brings a specific skill set that should help Pittsburgh stay competitive in a loaded AFC North.