Keeping it in the family!
ESPN’s Rich Cimini revealed on social media that the New York Jets have hired Seth Ryan, the son of Rex Ryan, as the team’s passing game coordinator.
“Ryan, 31, becomes the third generation in his family to coach for the Jets. He’s the son of former HC Rex Ryan, whose father, the legendary Buddy Ryan, was the defensive-line coach on the Super Bowl III team (1968),” Cimini posted on X previously Twitter.
He’s the son of former HC Rex Ryan, whose father, the legendary Buddy Ryan, was the defensive-line coach on
Seth played wide receiver at Clemson from 2013 through 2016.
Following his playing career, Seth got into coaching. He started as an offensive quality control coach with the Los Angeles Chargers for two seasons (2019-20). Then, in 2021, he joined the Detroit Lions as an assistant wide receivers coach (2021-24). After serving that role for four years, he became the Lions’ assistant tight ends coach in 2025.
Insider Hinted at This Move
ESPN’s Rich Cimini joined me on “Boy Green Daily” on Friday, February 6.
During our conversation, he told me that the Jets were “close” to hiring a PGC. He also said that Jets fans would be “intrigued” by the hire when it happens.
Cimini was right.
Seth Ryan is the son of popular former Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Rex, 63, was the HC of the NYJ from 2009 through 2014.
In his first two seasons running the show, the Jets went to back-to-back AFC Championship games. That was the last time the green and white made it to the playoffs.
They are currently amid a 15-year playoff drought, which is the longest active streak in the NFL and the longest drought in franchise history.
Ryan finished with a 46-50 record.
Top Social Media Reactions to Jets Ryan Reunion
“Jets continue to fill out the staff. Pretty awesome story and an exciting one at that. Nice scoop by Rich,” NFL analyst Will Parkinson posted.
“Pretty big promotion…assistant TE coach to Passing Game Coordinator. We will see,” Paul Fiore reacted.
“Well I’m old enough to remember him as a kid at training camp 😭,” Nicole Esther wrote.
“Doesn’t look like the Jets will be hiring Darrell Bevell, but this is fun. Seth Ryan crossed paths with Aaron Glenn in Detroit. This is a pretty significant promotion for him. Had previously only been an assistant WRs and assistant TEs coach,” The Jet Press posted.
“Very on board with this for many reasons. Ben Johnson shouted this kid out as being a driving force behind some of their play design when he was 29 years old. Maybe we will finally have the young stud, kind of like Tanner Engstrand,” Steve Conoscenti explained.
Jets Can Afford to Take Risks Under Veteran Leadership
When the Jets hired Frank Reich as the OC, they increased the floor of their offense. An adult is now in the room. He knows how to do the job and knows what he wants.
When you have a quarterback running the operation, you can afford to take risks on younger guys with upside.
Seth has been around football his entire life. He has played the game. He has coached the game for the last seven years. Now he gets a serious promotion, but under the leadership of Reich.
This hire checks off nostalgia and upside vibes, both of which are welcomed additions this offseason.
Jets Hire Rex Ryan’s Son to Join Aaron Glenn’s Coaching Staff: Report