The New York Jets are hiring former Pittsburgh Steelers tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts for the same role, NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz reports.
Roberts is the second ex-Steelers coach to be hired by Aaron Glenn’s Jets, joining DL coach Karl Dunbar. Like Roberts, Dunbar will hold the same role as New York’s d-line coach.
The #Jets are hiring former Steelers TE’s coach Alfredo Roberts for the same position, according to a source with knowledge of the move.
— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) February 6, 2026
Roberts is one of the NFL’s longest-tenured tight ends coaches. Coaching the position since 2003, Mike Tomlin hired him in 2021 to replace the retiring James Daniel. Roberts helped develop the room, especially in recent years. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington went from Day 2 draft picks to starters. Freiermuth received a lucrative contract extension ahead of the 2024 season while Washington could be in line for one in 2026, though the new coaching staff creates uncertainty. Roberts also worked with late-round pick Connor Heyward, who just finished his rookie contract with the team.
In New York, Roberts will work alongside Mason Taylor, a second-round draft pick last year. As a rookie, he caught 44 passes for 369 yards and one touchdown.
A successful NFL player who won a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys in 1993, Roberts played in the league from 1988-1993.
Pittsburgh has yet to hire a dedicated tight ends coach. It’s the one position coach that hasn’t had an official replacement. New offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio is himself a longtime tight ends coach and could lead the position, though most teams still opt to hire a dedicated coach for the unit.
Roberts is one of several members of Pittsburgh’s 2025 coaching staff to find new work in the NFL. Danny Smith was hired as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ special teams coordinators, Eddie Faulkner the Baltimore Ravens’ running backs coach, Pat Meyer the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line coach, and Matt Baker as the Cleveland Browns’ assistant quarterbacks coach along with Dunbar and his role with the Jets.
Notable 2025 Steelers coaches who have yet to be hired include defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, and outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin.