Billy VandeMerkt

Billy VandeMerkt returns for a second season as an offensive assistant after initially joining the New York Jets as part of Robert Saleh's first staff in 2021. A coach at the college level for seven seasons, 2022 marks VandeMerkt's second in the NFL.

In the 2022 Senior Bowl, VandeMerkt was elevated to tight end coach working with the National Team's six TEs as part of a staff that won 20-10. In the game, tight ends comprised the National Team's top two receivers as well as catching two touchdowns.

In his first season with the Jets (2021), VandeMerkt worked with Ron Middleton and the team's tight ends as the group saw five different players record at least one explosive reception (16+ yards), tied for the most by any team in the league this season and the most on a Jets team since at least 2007.

Prior to joining the Jets, VandeMerkt coached quarterbacks at Lenoir-Rhyne (2020) after three seasons at Western Michigan (2017-19). He began his coaching career at his alma mater, St. Joseph's College, before moving to Southwest Minnesota State. In 2015, he was a part of the group that established the school's first-ever football program at West Florida, as the Argonauts began to play in 2016.

A former four-year starter at quarterback (2010-13), VandeMerkt was a three-time captain at St. Joseph's College, finishing his career with 6,432 yards and 56 touchdowns. He earned Freshman of the Year honors (2010) and was a second-team all-conference pick as a senior before graduating from SJC with a degree in history.