The Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching staff is undergoing a significant transformation with the hiring of Mike McCarthy as the new head coach. But amidst the changes, one coach's fate seems almost sealed, and another's future hangs in the balance.
A Familiar Face Stays Put
Inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley is all but guaranteed to retain his position, and it's all thanks to his longstanding relationship with McCarthy. Their connection dates back to 2006 when McCarthy, then the newly appointed head coach of the Green Bay Packers, took a chance on McCurley, a relatively unknown assistant at Pitt, to join as an intern. This marked the beginning of a long-term partnership.
McCurley remained a fixture on McCarthy's staff throughout his entire tenure in Green Bay, often occupying smaller assistant roles, which is uncommon for a coach with such longevity. Their bond was so strong that after McCarthy's mid-season firing in 2018, McCurley chose to remain a free agent and continue working with him, even turning down a position at LSU where he could have celebrated a national championship. They formed a coaching collective, 'The McCarthy Project' or 'The 33rd Team,' along with other coaches, including Pittsburgh natives Frank Cignetti Jr. and Jim Haslett.
When McCarthy was hired by the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, McCurley followed, serving as the inside linebackers coach until McCarthy's departure after the 2024 season. It's worth noting that McCurley's first NFL job without McCarthy was with the Steelers in 2025, a homecoming of sorts. Given that he likely signed a standard two-year contract, he's still under contract for 2026, making his retention a mere formality.
But is this a wise decision? McCurley's coaching background is relatively limited and closely tied to McCarthy, and his results have been less than stellar. Even at the time of his hiring, there were doubts about this move. In 2025, Payton Wilson's development stagnated under McCurley's guidance. Yet, it would be a surprise if he wasn't retained, despite the questionable decision.
A Potential Second Stay
Another coach who might stick around is QBs Coach Tom Arth. His connection to McCarthy is less extensive but still significant. Arth, as a quarterback in 2006, was briefly coached by McCarthy during the offseason in Green Bay. Although Arth didn't make the final roster, he attended McCarthy's renowned quarterback camps, which had a profound impact on his coaching philosophy.
Arth's words reveal the influence: 'So much of what I believe as a coach and how I coach the fundamentals of playing quarterback... I can take back to my time in Green Bay and being around Coach McCarthy and in that quarterback school.' This shared philosophy and connection could be enough to secure Arth's position, especially if Aaron Rodgers returns, as it would provide valuable continuity for the team.
However, Arth's contract was set to expire after 2026, meaning he would need to be re-signed. Given the opportunity to extend his stay in Pittsburgh, Arth would likely be eager to put down roots and continue his coaching journey.
While a veteran coach like McCarthy may have a larger network of preferred assistants, it appears that McCurley is a lock to stay, and Arth may very well join him. As McCarthy builds his new staff, these two coaches could be the first pieces of the puzzle. But here's where it gets intriguing: is this the best move for the Steelers? With McCurley's limited background and mixed results, is it a risk worth taking? And what about Arth's potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
