STEVEN HEIDEN enters his first season with the New York Jets as the offensive line coach after most recently serving as the tight ends coach with the Detroit Lions (2023-24). Heiden, an 11-year NFL veteran tight end, joins the staff with 12 years of coaching experience in various roles with the Arizona Cardinals and Detroit.

In his two seasons with Detroit (2023-24), Heiden guided tight end Sam LaPorta to a record-setting most receptions (146) by a tight end in their first two seasons in NFL history. Additionally, Heiden helped LaPorta become just the fourth TE since 1970 to total 1,600+ receiving yards in his first two seasons, joining George Kittle, Rob Gronkowski, and Jimmy Graham. His 17 receiving touchdowns since 2023 are tied for the most among all tight ends in the NFL.

In 2023, Heiden saw LaPorta establish a then NFL record for the most receptions by a rookie tight end (86). He also set the franchise single season record for receptions, receiving yards (889), and receiving touchdowns (10), among Detroit rookies.

Prior to Detroit, Heiden spent the first 10 seasons of his NFL coaching career in Arizona, finishing as the tight ends coach. He was elevated to offensive line coach for the final six games of the season in 2022. From Week 11 to the end of the season, under Heiden's guidance, running back James Connor averaged 78.0 rushing yards per game, the fifth highest mark in the NFL.

In 2021, Heiden saw tight end Zach Ertz tie the franchise single season record for receptions by a tight end, despite only playing 11 games with the team after a midseason trade. Ertz caught 56 passes for 574 yards, seventh-most among all tight ends in the NFL, and three touchdowns with Arizona. He became the first Arizona tight end to record over 500 receiving yards in a season since 2003.

In 2020, Heiden guided the tight ends in an offense that finished top 10 in the NFL in major categories, including fourth in rushing touchdowns (22), sixth in net yards (6,153), sixth in yards per game (384.6), seventh in rushing yards per game (139.8), and 10th in offensive touchdowns (49). Tight end Dan Arnold recorded a career high 438 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns, becoming the first Arizona tight end to record 400+ receiving yards and four+ touchdowns in a single season since 1988.

As an assistant in 2015, Heiden helped Arizona lead the League in net yards (6,533) and yards per game (408.3), and ranked second best in passing yards per game (288.5) and eighth best in rushing yards per game (119.8). It marked the first time in franchise history the team finished with the top ranked offense in the NFL as they set single[1]season franchise records for points (489), touchdowns (59), net yards (6,533) and first downs (373).

Heiden began his coaching career at Concordia University (2012) as the tight ends coach before transitioning to an assistant role in the NFL. Prior to his coaching career, Heiden played 11-seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers and Cleveland Browns, totaling 201 receptions for 1,689 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was drafted by San Diego in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft.

A native of Rushford, MN, Heiden played four seasons at South Dakota State (1995-98), finishing his college career eighth in program history with 112 receptions and 1,499 receiving yards. He was a team captain as a senior (1998) and was recognized as a second-team All-American after leading the team in receptions (46), receiving yards (742), and touchdowns (five). Heiden was inducted into the South Dakota State Hall of Fame in 2020.

Heiden and his wife, Jessica, have two daughters, Madison and Presley, and a son, Walker.

FLIGHT PATH

New York Jets 2025-Present

Offensive Line 2025-Present

Detroit Lions 2023-24

Tight Ends 2023-24

Arizona Cardinals 2013-22

Interim Offensive Line 2022

Tight Ends 2019-22

Assistant Offensive Line 2018

Asst. Special Teams & Asst. Tight Ends 2013-17

Concordia University 2012

Tight Ends 2012

PLAYING CAREER

Cleveland Browns (TE) 2002-09

San Diego Chargers (TE) 1999-01

South Dakota State (TE) 1995-98