The Jets continue to reshape their coaching staff this offseason, and the latest additions bring both pedigree and experience to a team looking to turn the corner.
Let’s start with a familiar name. Seth Ryan - yes, that Ryan - is joining the Jets as their new passing game coordinator.
He’s coming over from Detroit, where he served as the Lions’ assistant tight ends coach. If the name rings a bell, it should.
Seth is the son of Rex Ryan and the grandson of the legendary Buddy Ryan, making him the third generation of Ryans to coach for the Jets. That’s not just a fun trivia nugget; it’s a legacy that carries weight in this building.
While Seth is carving his own path in the NFL coaching ranks, the family connection adds an undeniable layer of intrigue to his arrival in Florham Park.
But the Jets didn’t stop there. They’ve also brought in Alfredo Roberts, the former Steelers tight ends coach, to take over the same role in New York.
Roberts brings over two decades of coaching experience, including stints with the Chargers, Colts, and Browns before his time in Pittsburgh. He’s known for his work developing tight ends into reliable blockers and pass-catching threats - something the Jets could certainly use as they look to get more production from that position group.
These moves come as part of a broader reshuffling effort. Offensive line coach Steve Heiden, wide receivers coach Shawn Jefferson, and defensive backs coach Chris Harris are all reportedly returning, which gives the staff some continuity amid the changes.
Still, there are a few key roles left to fill. The Jets have yet to name a linebackers coach or a quarterbacks coach.
Assistant Nathan Willingham has reportedly interviewed for the linebackers role, and there’s a chance the team could go without a dedicated quarterbacks coach altogether - a trend we’ve seen more frequently in recent years as teams lean on offensive coordinators and passing game specialists to handle QB development.
There could be more additions on the way, too. On the offensive side, it’s reasonable to expect the Jets to name a running game coordinator to complement Seth Ryan’s role in the passing game. Defensively, the idea of splitting responsibilities with both a passing game and running game coordinator is also on the table, especially as coaching staffs become more specialized.
And here’s a name worth keeping an eye on: Jeff Stoutland. The longtime Eagles offensive line coach is stepping away from his role in Philadelphia, and his availability has sparked speculation across the league.
Stoutland is widely regarded as one of the best in the business when it comes to developing offensive linemen and building cohesive units up front. With former Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich now on the Jets’ staff, the idea of a reunion - while perhaps optimistic - is one the Jets should at least explore.
If there’s even a sliver of a chance to bring in someone of Stoutland’s caliber, it’s worth picking up the phone.
Bottom line: the Jets are being deliberate in how they build out this staff. They’re blending familiar faces with fresh voices, and they’re clearly not done yet. For a team that’s been stuck in the mud for far too long, these hires represent more than just names on a flow chart - they’re the foundation for what the Jets hope will be a long-overdue turnaround.