The New York Jets have made a significant addition to their coaching staff, hiring Steve Heiden, the former tight ends coach of the Detroit Lions, to take over as their new offensive line coach ¹. This move comes after the Jets parted ways with their previous offensive line coach, Keith Carter.
Heiden, a former NFL tight end, brings over a decade of coaching experience to the Jets. He spent 10 years with the Arizona Cardinals, working with tight ends and special teams, before joining the Lions in 2023 ². Although his experience as an offensive line coach is limited to a brief stint as an assistant with the Cardinals in 2018, Heiden’s playing career and coaching acumen make him an intriguing choice for the Jets.
As a player, Heiden spent over a decade as a tight end with the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns, showcasing his versatility and reliability on the field ². He was a valuable asset to the Browns, appearing in all 16 regular-season games in 2002 and setting a personal best with 18 receptions for 134 yards in 2003.
Heiden’s coaching career has been marked by his ability to develop talent. He helped develop Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who set a record for catches by a rookie tight end in 2023 and earned a second-team All-Pro selection ¹.
The Jets are looking to rebuild their offense, and Heiden’s hire is a significant step in that direction. He’ll be working with a talented young group, including first-round pick Olu Fashanu, who will return at left tackle alongside John Simpson at left guard, Joe Tippmann at center, Alijah Vera-Tucker at right guard, and a yet-to-be-determined right tackle ³.
While some may question Heiden’s lack of experience as an offensive line coach, his overall resume speaks for itself. As a former player and experienced coach, he brings a unique perspective to the role. The Jets are hoping that Heiden’s coaching acumen and ability to develop talent will help them build a strong offense in the years to come.
What’s Next for the Jets?
The Jets’ offseason is shaping up to be an exciting one. With Heiden on board, the team can focus on building its offense around quarterback Zach Wilson. The Jets are also expected to make some significant moves in free agency, with several key positions to fill.
As the Jets prepare for the 2025 season, fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s next moves. Will they make a splash in free agency? Will they use the draft to build their offense? One thing is certain: with Heiden on board, the Jets are taking a significant step towards building a winning team.
