Three Generations of Ryan: A Legacy of Coaching with the New York Jets
Seth Ryan has joined the coaching staff of the New York Jets, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. At 31 years old, Seth has been appointed as the team's new passing-game coordinator, taking over from Scott Turner. This unique situation marks three generations of the Ryan family coaching for the same NFL franchise, a rare occurrence in the league.
Seth's father, Rex Ryan, previously served as the head coach of the Jets from 2009 to 2014, achieving a record of 46-50 with a 4-2 playoff record. Despite the team's playoff drought since 2010, Rex has transitioned to a role as an ESPN analyst. The Ryan family's connection to the Jets dates back to 1968 when Buddy Ryan, Rex's father, began his NFL coaching career as the team's defensive-line coach.
Buddy Ryan's tenure with the Jets coincided with their Super Bowl victory in his first season, and he continued with the team until 1975. Subsequently, he went on to become the defensive coordinator for the renowned 1985 Chicago Bears and later served as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Ryan family's association with the Jets extends further, with Rex and his twin brother, Rob, working as ball boys for the team in the late 1960s.
Growing up around the Jets organization, Rex Ryan developed a deep connection to the team's history and players, with childhood idols like Joe Namath and Winston Hill leaving a lasting impression on him. His coaching tenure with the Jets was marked by a tribute to Gerry Philbin, a former Jets star, with a Philbin jersey prominently displayed in his office. The Ryan family's legacy with the Jets is a testament to their enduring ties to the franchise and their contributions to its coaching history.