The New York Jets have made a notable addition to their coaching staff, hiring veteran Alfredo Roberts as their new tight ends coach for the 2026 season. This move comes in the wake of Jeff Blasko’s departure to the Cleveland Browns, and while Blasko left behind a solid foundation, Roberts brings a résumé that commands attention - both for its depth and its results.
A Coaching Journey Built on Tight End Development
Roberts’ NFL coaching journey spans more than two decades, and if there’s a theme to his career, it’s consistency in tight end development. He’s held the same position - tight ends coach - with six different NFL teams: the Jaguars, Browns, Buccaneers, Colts, Chargers, and most recently, the Steelers. That kind of longevity in a specialized role isn’t just rare - it’s a sign that teams trust his ability to teach, develop, and get results.
Before all that, Roberts spent four years coaching running backs at Florida Atlantic University after a six-year NFL playing career as a tight end with the Chiefs and Cowboys. That playing experience adds another layer to his coaching - he’s walked the walk, and players know it.
What He Did in Pittsburgh: Freiermuth and Washington
Roberts’ most recent stop in Pittsburgh is where his impact really stands out. Over five seasons with the Steelers, he helped mold Pat Freiermuth into one of the league’s premier pass-catching tight ends. Drafted in the second round in 2021, Freiermuth thrived under Roberts’ guidance, earning a four-year, $48 million extension by 2024.
In 2024, Freiermuth ranked 12th among tight ends in receiving yards with 668 and tied for third in touchdowns at the position with seven. A year later, he averaged 12 yards per reception - good for eighth among qualified tight ends. Those aren’t just solid numbers - they’re the kind of production that puts a tight end in the Pro Bowl conversation.
And it wasn’t just the stats. Freiermuth himself has been effusive in his praise of Roberts, calling him “the best coach in the world.” That’s not hyperbole - that’s a player recognizing a coach who not only sharpened his game but also understood what it takes to succeed at the NFL level.
Roberts also played a key role in the development of Darnell Washington. After two quiet seasons, the former Georgia standout turned a corner in 2025.
He posted career highs across the board - 43 targets, 31 catches, 364 yards, and an impressive 11.7 yards per reception, which ranked ninth among qualified tight ends. Just as important, his run-blocking grade of 73.1 (per PFF) ranked fifth among tight ends with at least 250 blocking snaps.
That’s a complete tight end profile, and Roberts helped unlock it.
A Historic Season in Indianapolis
Rewind to Roberts’ time with the Colts, and there’s another standout chapter. In 2012, Indianapolis drafted two tight ends - Coby Fleener in the second round and Dwayne Allen in the third.
By 2014, both had blossomed under Roberts’ coaching, and they made NFL history by each catching eight touchdowns in the same season - the first time that had ever happened. That kind of dual-threat production from the tight end spot is rare, and it speaks volumes about Roberts’ ability to develop talent and scheme them into success.
During his four-year stint in Indy, the Colts went 41-23 - the third-best win total among tight end coaches in franchise history. That’s not all on Roberts, of course, but it’s another data point that supports his track record of being part of winning programs.
What This Means for the Jets - and for Mason Taylor
Now, Roberts steps into a crucial role with the Jets, where his primary task will be shaping the development of second-year tight end Mason Taylor. Drafted in the second round last year, Taylor showed flashes of high-end potential despite playing in an offense that struggled to move the ball consistently. He led all rookie tight ends with 11 contested catches - a stat that doesn’t just show toughness, but also body control and trust from quarterbacks in tight windows.
Taylor’s skill set seems tailor-made for new offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s system. Reich has historically leaned on 11-personnel (three wide receivers, one tight end) - a formation that favors athletic, route-running tight ends like Taylor.
That could mean a more limited role for Jeremy Ruckert, who thrives more as an in-line blocker in 12-personnel looks. But it also means a bigger stage for Taylor to grow into a featured weapon, and Roberts has the blueprint to help him get there.
A Clear Upgrade - and a Timely Hire
To be fair, Blasko did good work last season. Ruckert made noticeable strides, and Taylor showed promise in a tough situation. But Roberts’ track record of developing tight ends into top-tier contributors - and doing it across multiple teams - makes this feel like a clear upgrade.
It’s also worth noting that the Jets didn’t push Blasko out - he was hired away by the Browns. That left head coach Aaron Glenn with a hole to fill, and to his credit, he moved quickly and decisively to bring in a seasoned, proven coach in Roberts.
The Bottom Line
Alfredo Roberts brings more than just experience to the Jets - he brings results. Whether it’s helping a young tight end hit his stride, scheming up dual-threat production, or building trust with players who buy into his methods, Roberts has done it all. Now, he gets a new challenge in New York, with a talented young tight end and a system that fits.
If history is any indication, the Jets’ tight end room just got a whole lot better.