Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed Scott McCurley as the team's inside linebackers coach. McCurley, a native of Western Pennsylvania, has extensive experience in the NFL, having spent 18 years in the league, including five seasons as the linebackers coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

During his tenure with the Cowboys from 2020 to 2024, McCurley oversaw a linebacker unit that was instrumental in achieving notable defensive statistics. Last season, his guidance helped Cowboys' linebacker Micah Parsons achieve a team-high 12 sacks. Parsons became "the first player since Reggie White in 1982 to record at least 12 sacks in their first four seasons" and was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl Games in 2024. Another standout performer under McCurley's leadership was Eric Kendricks, who led the team with a career-high of 145 tackles.

The Cowboys defense faced challenges due to injuries but managed to adapt effectively. In particular, Damone Clark stepped up by moving to middle linebacker and achieving a career-high of 115 tackles despite lineup changes.

McCurley's coaching prowess contributed significantly to defensive achievements over the years. The Cowboys ranked third in rushing touchdowns allowed during the 2022 season and ninth in opponent negative rushing play percentage.

In previous seasons under McCurley's mentorship, players like Micah Parsons set records; Parsons achieved "13 sacks" as a rookie and earned recognition as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. In his debut year with Dallas in 2020, Jaylon Smith led with an impressive tally of "160 tackles," placing him second overall across the league.

Before joining Dallas, McCurley had an extensive stint with the Green Bay Packers spanning over a decade where he held various roles such as assistant linebackers coach and defensive assistant. He played pivotal roles working alongside Winston Moss focusing on inside linebackers which saw Blake Martinez leading team tackle charts consistently during those periods.

Scott McCurley hails from New Castle, Pennsylvania where he began his football journey before joining collegiate ranks at University of Pittsburgh as walk-on linebacker later earning scholarship recognition through exemplary performances throughout college leading up towards professional avenues within NFL frameworks post-graduation.