Former Tiger Follows in Family Foosteps with New NFL Coaching Gig
By: Gavin Oliver February 9, 2026

A former Clemson wide receiver has reportedly landed a new NFL coaching gig, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

Clemson placekicker Greg Huegel (92) is congratulated by Seth Ryan (85) after kicking a field goal against Notre Dame during the fourth quarter Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015 at Memorial Stadium in Clemson. (Bart Boatwright/The Clemson Insider)

Seth Ryan was hired over the weekend as the new passing game coordinator for the New York Jets, according to multiple reports.

Seth’s dad, Rex Ryan – currently an ESPN analyst — served as head coach of the Jets from 2009-14. Seth’s grandad, the late Buddy Ryan, was an NFL coach for 26 seasons and was the defensive line coach for the Jets from 1968-75 – Buddy’s first NFL coaching job.

Seth played at Clemson from 2013-16 and was part of the Tigers’ 2016 national championship team. An original walk-on, he was placed on scholarship in January 2016. He served as the team’s holder on placekicks and was a reserve wide receiver who appeared in 33 career games. He recorded one reception for 10 yards in 2015 before catching four balls for 39 yards in 2016.

Seth has been with the Detroit Lions for the last five seasons as an assistant wide receivers coach (2021-24) and then assistant tight ends coach (2025). Before that, he was with the Los Angeles Chargers as an offensive quality control coach.