The New York Jets continue to reshape their coaching staff by tapping into Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions pipeline once again.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have hired Detroit Lions assistant tight ends coach Seth Ryan as their new passing game coordinator, marking another reunion between Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and his former staff in Detroit.

Full-Circle Moment for Seth Ryan

The move carries special significance for Ryan, whose family has deep ties to the Jets organization. His father, Rex Ryan, and grandfather, Buddy Ryan, both previously coached in New York.

Ryan began his NFL coaching career in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach with the Los Angeles Chargers under then-head coach Anthony Lynn. After Lynn’s dismissal in Los Angeles, he joined him in Detroit as part of Dan Campbell’s inaugural coaching staff, working first as an assistant wide receivers coach.

Even after Lynn was fired following the 2021 season, Ryan remained with the Lions and later transitioned to assistant tight ends coach during the 2025 offseason reshuffle that saw eight coaches depart the organization.

Key Role in Lions’ Offensive Success

While in Detroit, Ryan worked closely with former wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle-El, helping develop Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams into one of the NFL’s most productive receiving duos.

In 2024, St. Brown earned:

His second First-Team All-Pro selection

His third consecutive Pro Bowl

Ranked:

2nd in receptions (115)

2nd in receiving first downs (72)

3rd in receiving touchdowns (12)

5th in receiving yards (1,263)

Williams posted:

1,001 receiving yards

7 touchdowns (career-high)

Together, St. Brown and Williams became only the second pair in Lions history to each record at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns in the same season.

Aaron Glenn Continues Lions-to-Jets Pipeline

Before becoming Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn served as Detroit’s defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024. Since taking over in New York, Glenn has repeatedly turned to familiar faces from Detroit.

Among those he previously hired:

Steve Heiden – offensive line coach

Tanner Engstrand – offensive coordinator

Dre Bly – cornerbacks coach

After dismissing eight assistants, including Engstrand and Bly, Glenn again looked toward Detroit to fill openings on his staff.

He attempted to lure Lions safeties coach Jim O’Neill to become his defensive coordinator, but O’Neill chose to remain in Detroit on a new contract. Glenn then hired Brian Duker, another former Lions assistant, to fill the role.

Jets Looking for Stability After 3–14 Season

Glenn’s first season as Jets head coach ended in disappointment, with New York finishing 3–14 and last in the AFC East. By hiring familiar coaches from Detroit’s system, Glenn appears focused on building continuity and installing concepts he trusts.

The addition of Seth Ryan further strengthens the Jets’ connection to Dan Campbell’s Lions staff as New York attempts to rebuild its offense and improve its passing attack heading into the 2026 season.