The Pittsburgh Steelers are now in the market for an inside linebackers coach. They recently lost their former Inside Linebackers Coach Aaron Curry as he took a job to be the linebackers coach for the New York Jets. Curry is joining Aaron Glenn and a whole new regime in New York as they try to turn around a miserable fan base. Losing Curry isn’t an exciting prospect for Steelers fans as they have been hoping for coaching changes, but Curry wasn’t one they were upset with.
Now, with Curry gone, the Steelers are left to find a new inside linebackers coach. One potential candidate making waves is former New England Patriots Head Coach Jerod Mayo. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked if the Steelers should target Mayo, given his background and the opportunity that could arise from the Patriots’ struggles.
Fittipaldo shared his perspective on how the Steelers could benefit from the Patriots' coaching failure with Mayo. Despite the Patriots’ recent issues, Mayo remains a respected figure in the NFL, and his expertise could be a game-changer for Pittsburgh's inside linebacker unit. The Steelers' defense, known for its physicality and discipline, could use a coach with Mayo's experience to help elevate the talent on the roster.
"Yeah listen, Mayo has never played or coached anywhere else," Fittipaldo said. "He has always been a Patriot. He obviously will be looking for another job. I like that idea. Bring somebody in who has been a part of successful teams and see what he can add to your program. There’s a bunch of guys who are going to be out there like him. Yeah, Mayo would be perfect because he played linebacker in the league."
The Patriots hired Mayo quickly after the decision to part ways with future Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Belichick. However, Mayo was fired after just one season, a move that caused an uproar among NFL fans who felt it was unfair to let him go so soon. Many believed Mayo was given little chance to succeed, especially considering the Patriots were in the midst of a rebuild, making it a difficult situation for any coach to thrive in.
The Patriots clearly had their eyes set on Mike Vrabel, a coach they were more excited about, leading to Mayo’s departure. This controversial decision has now opened a unique opportunity for the Steelers. With Mayo’s respected track record and experience, he could step in as a major asset to Pittsburgh's inside linebackers unit, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to a defensive position that could greatly benefit from his expertise.
If the Steelers can land Mayo, it would be seen as a significant upgrade to their coaching staff. Bringing in someone with Mayo’s background—especially as a former head coach who had success in a winning franchise as a player—would be viewed as a smart and strategic move. His experience and respected reputation could help elevate the inside linebacker group, improving the overall defense and possibly having a long-lasting impact on the team’s success.
Steelers' Inside Linebackers Could See Big Boost With Jerod Mayo
The Steelers boast a strong linebacker room, featuring Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, and Payton Wilson. While Roberts is set to be a free agent, some pundits believe the Steelers might bring him back in 2025. Regardless of Roberts' future, Pittsburgh has a wealth of talent at the inside linebacker position, and adding a coach like Mayo could be a major boost for a defense in need of improvement.
In the 2025 season, the Steelers’ defense faltered at critical moments, exposing weaknesses in both scheme and communication. This inconsistency proved costly, leaving fans and analysts questioning what went wrong. Bringing in a coach with Mayo's expertise could be the exact remedy Pittsburgh needs to fix these issues and reestablish their dominant defensive identity.
Mayo's experience, particularly his success in a championship-caliber organization, would bring a fresh perspective to the linebacker room and strengthen the defense’s overall cohesion. As the Steelers aim to regain their defensive edge, Mayo’s leadership could be the key to turning things around and returning the team to its former glory.
