When you talk about football legacies, the Ryan name carries serious weight. Buddy Ryan built one of the most feared defenses in NFL history with the '85 Bears and helped turn the Eagles into a defensive powerhouse. His son, Rex, brought swagger and grit to the Jets, leading them to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances and knocking off legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning along the way.
Now, it’s Seth Ryan’s turn.
The Jets’ new passing game coordinator isn’t just riding the family name. At 31, he’s stepping into a pivotal role with a résumé that’s quietly compelling - and there are a few clear reasons why Jets fans should be paying attention.
1. He’s coming from one of the league’s brightest offensive minds
Seth Ryan’s coaching journey may still be in its early chapters, but the people he’s learned from? That’s a story worth telling.
Ryan spent time under Ben Johnson - now the head coach of the Chicago Bears and widely regarded as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the game. Johnson’s Lions offense was known for its creativity, efficiency, and ability to scheme players open in ways that gave defenses headaches.
In 2024, Johnson gave Ryan and other assistants a public nod for their role in designing some of Detroit’s most successful special plays. That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly - especially from a coach who’s built his reputation on offensive ingenuity.
That experience matters. Ryan’s been in the room where ideas are born, tested, and executed at a high level. Bringing that creativity to New York - especially in tandem with a veteran like Frank Reich - could be the kind of pairing that helps modernize and evolve the Jets’ offensive identity.
2. He brings flexibility to the quarterback position
Frank Reich has a clear quarterback prototype: big, strong-armed, pocket passers. He’s worked with the likes of Carson Wentz, Andrew Luck, and Nick Foles - all cut from a similar cloth.
But Ryan? He’s a bit of a wild card in the best way.
His time with the Lions saw him work closely with Jared Goff, a different style of quarterback than Reich’s past signal-callers. Goff isn’t as mobile as some of Reich’s previous QBs, but he thrived in a system that emphasized timing, rhythm, and creative route combinations.
That’s where Ryan’s value comes in. He doesn’t come with philosophical baggage.
He’s not tied to one mold of quarterback. With his background in a modern, adaptable offense, Ryan gives the Jets flexibility.
Whether they go after a traditional pocket passer or someone with more mobility and improvisational ability, Ryan’s influence could help tailor the passing game to fit the talent - not the other way around.
That’s a big deal in today’s NFL, where rigid schemes can sink promising rosters.
3. The Jets are betting on upside - and that’s a good thing
Let’s be clear: Seth Ryan isn’t being asked to call plays. He’s not running the offense. His job is to help design the passing game, contribute to weekly game plans, and work with young offensive talent.
That’s a smart ask for a young coach with a creative background.
Yes, 31 is young. There will be players in the locker room older than him.
But that’s not uncommon anymore. What matters is whether he can connect with players, bring fresh ideas to the table, and help elevate the offense.
From everything we’ve seen, Ryan checks those boxes.
This is the kind of calculated risk that good teams make. You don’t wait until a young coach is already a star to bring him in - you identify the upside early and give him a chance to grow into a bigger role. That’s what the Jets are doing here.
And with a blend of old-school structure from Reich and new-school creativity from Ryan, the Jets’ offensive brain trust suddenly looks a lot more balanced.
Seth Ryan may not be a household name yet, but if you’re a Jets fan, there’s reason to be intrigued. He’s part of a new wave of coaches who aren’t afraid to blend tradition with innovation. He’s learned from some of the best, and now he’s stepping into a role where his voice will matter.
It’s a bet on potential - and one that could pay off in a big way.