If you ask linebacker Jamien Sherwood, the New York Jets hit a grand slam by hiring Aaron Curry as their linebackers coach this offseason.
Speaking to reporters at the Jets’ mandatory minicamp, Sherwood praised Curry’s presence and the support he has brought to the position group thus far.
“In our linebacker meetings room, he [Curry] has been super interactive with us, he listens to us. He helps us relate our new defense to our last defense so it’s easier for us,” said Sherwood.
Curry joined the Jets coaching staff this offseason after spending the past two seasons coaching inside linebackers for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He previously served as a defensive assistant with the Seattle Seahawks from 2019 to 2022 and began his coaching career at UNC Charlotte, where he spent six seasons (2013-18).
A former standout linebacker at Wake Forest, Curry was selected fourth overall by the Seahawks in the 2009 NFL draft. Although his playing career didn’t live up to expectations, Curry has steadily earned respect as a positional coach.
As for Sherwood, the 25-year-old re-signed with the Jets this offseason on a three-year deal worth up to $45 million, including $30 million guaranteed.
In 2024, Sherwood was voted by his teammates as New York’s Curtis Martin Team MVP. He led NFL linebackers in solo tackles with 98, adding three pass breakups and two sacks.
Overall, the Auburn product earned a 73.8 grade from Pro Football Focus for his 2024 campaign, ranking 10th out of 64 qualified linebackers.
Curry’s coaching rise throughout the NFL continues in New York, where Sherwood believes his impact is already being felt.