Yet another Ryan is set to make his mark on the New York Jets’ coaching roster, as the team brings Seth Ryan on board as their new passing game coordinator. This move follows the recent shake-up by Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who released Scott Turner from the role just two weeks ago, according to a source at the Daily News.
Seth Ryan, at 31, carries a rich football legacy as the son of Rex Ryan, the notable Jets coach from 2009 to 2014. Under Rex’s leadership, the team reached back-to-back AFC Championship Games in the 2009-10 seasons, marking their last playoff appearances. The Ryan coaching dynasty traces its roots back to Seth’s grandfather, Buddy Ryan, who was a defensive line coach with the Jets from 1968 to 1975 and was a key part of the team during their triumphant Super Bowl III victory. Buddy Ryan also etched his name in NFL history by orchestrating a Super Bowl win as the Bears’ defensive coordinator, later going on to lead the Eagles and Cardinals as head coach.
Seth Ryan’s experience is bolstered by a five-year tenure with the Detroit Lions. He initially served as the assistant wide receivers coach before advancing to the role of assistant tight ends coach last season. His time with the Lions overlapped significantly with Glenn, who served as the team’s defensive coordinator for four of those years. Prior to his stint with the Lions, Ryan spent two seasons with the Chargers as an offensive quality control coach from 2019 to 2020.
His grandfather, Buddy, was also a defensive line coach with the Jets from 1968 to 1975 and a member of the staff when they won Super Bowl III. Buddy is also known for winning a Super Bowl as the Bears’ defensive coordinator, and then becoming the coach of the Eagles and Cardinals.
Ryan has spent the past five seasons with the Lions. First, he was their assistant wide receivers coach, then he became the assistant tight ends coach last season.
Glenn was the Lions’ defensive coordinator for four of the seasons Ryan was on staff. Before that, Ryan was an offensive quality control coach for the Chargers for two seasons (2019-20).
Ryan was a wide receiver at Summit High School, about eight miles from the Jets’ facility in New Jersey, where his father coached. He also played at Clemson and was part of its national championship team, which defeated Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship during the 2016 season.
After hiring Frank Reich as their offensive coordinator this week, the Jets continue to fill out their coaching staff. NFL Media reports that they have hired Alfredo Roberts as their new tight ends coach. He will replace Jeff Blasko, who had that job last season, but is expected to join the Browns’ coaching staff for the 2026 season. Roberts spent the previous five seasons on the Steelers’ staff and previously was a position coach for the Chargers, Colts, Buccaneers, Browns, and Jaguars.
On the defensive side, the Jets have hired defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who will be in his second stint with the team. He was previously their defensive line coach under Ryan from 2012-14.
