Coaching staff update: TE coach Seth Hestness hired by Iowa State

Army tight ends coach Seth Hestness is headed back home to continue his career.

Hestness was officially announced as Iowa State’s tight ends coach today by first-year coach Jimmy Rogers. His stay at West Point was short. Hestness joined Jeff Monken’s staff in 2025.

Army tight ends had an increased role in Hestness’ one season. Parker Poloskey caught the first touchdown pass by a true Army tight end since 2008. Tex Brannan caught a 2-point conversion.

“From the start, I challenged the guys to grow the role of the Tight End position and they answered,” Hestness quote tweeted on Black Knight Nation’s X. “From the ‘run the ball behind me’ mentality to making plays when their name was called. Honor to coach a great group of young men.”

Hestness is from Mason City, Iowa and played tight end at Wartsburg College in Waverly, Iowa, less than two hours from Iowa State in Ames. Army was Hestness’ first FBS full-time coaching opportunity. Hestness is the second Army assistant from the 2025 staff to depart from West Point. Safeties coach Danny Verpaele returned to South Florida, his alma mater.