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Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan reacting in the middle of an NFL game against the Denver Broncos.
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.
ALL IN THE FAMILY: Seth Ryan has been hired as the Jets’ passing-game coordinator, per source. 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
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.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini told me that the #Jets ‘are real close’ to hiring a passing game coordinator.
‘I think you’re probably going to be intrigued by that addition.’ 👀
Oh baby! Hey NYJ fans, any guesses on who you think that could be?!
🎥 Boy Green Daily #JetUp
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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.
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. https://t.co/EsiCpDrnxP
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) February 7, 2026
“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.
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. https://t.co/YUgha8XtrM
— Steve Conoscenti (@SteveCono) February 7, 2026
This is a developing story and we’ll provide new details as they become available.
Paul Esden Jr. covers the New York Jets for Heavy.com. A New York native, he co-hosts a morning show, “The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital.” Before joining Heavy in 2021, Esden Jr. covered both national and New York sports for FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Score 1260. More about Paul Esden Jr.
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