Ryan Switzer

{{Short description|American football player and coach (born 1994)}} {{Use American English|date=December 2023}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox NFL biography | embed = | name = Ryan Switzer | image = Ryan Switzer (4633092) (cropped).jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = Switzer with the Oakland Raiders in 2018 | number =  | current_team = Oregon Ducks | position = Offensive analyst  | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|11|4}} | birth_place = Charleston, West Virginia | death_date = | death_place = | height_ft = 5 | height_in = 8 | weight_lb = 185 | high_school = George Washington (Charleston) | college = North Carolina | draftyear = 2017 | draftround = 4 | draftpick = 133 | pastteams = * Dallas Cowboys ({{nfly|2017}}) * Oakland Raiders ({{nfly|2018}})* * Pittsburgh Steelers ({{nfly|2018}}–{{nfly|2019}}) * Cleveland Browns ({{nfly|2020}}–{{nfly|2021}}) | pastcoaching = * Tulsa (2023–2024) <br> Wide receivers coach & recruiting coordinator * Tulsa (2024) <br> Interim head coach * Tulsa (2025) <br> Wide receivers coach & passing game coordinator * Oregon (2026–present) <br> Offensive analyst | status = | highlights = * PFWA All-Rookie Team (2017) * NCAA punt return leader (2013) * 2× First-team All-American (2013, 2015) * 3× First-team All-ACC (2013, 2015, 2016) * Third-team All-ACC (2014) | statleague = NFL | statseason = | statweek = | statlabel1 = Receptions | statvalue1 = 50 | statlabel2 = Receiving yards | statvalue2 = 321 | statlabel3 = Receiving touchdowns | statvalue3 = 1 | statlabel4 = Kick return yards | statvalue4 = 1,373 | statlabel5 = Punt return yards | statvalue5 = 537 | statlabel6 = Punt return touchdowns | statvalue6 = 1 | statlabel7 = | statvalue7 = | statlabel8 = | statvalue8 = | regular_record =  | playoff_record =  | overall_record = 0–1 (college)  | pfr = SwitRy00 }}

'''Ryan Switzer''' (born November 4, 1994) is an American football coach and former professional football player who is currently an offensive analyst for the Oregon Ducks. Prior to Oregon, he was the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. He previously played as a wide receiver and punt returner in the National Football League (NFL) for five seasons. He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, twice earning first-team All-American honors. Switzer was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2017 NFL draft. He was also a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns.

==Early life== Switzer attended George Washington High School in Charleston, West Virginia, where he played on his high school football team, the Patriots.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Derek |date=December 24, 2011 |title=GW's Ryan Switzer receives recognition |url=http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/high_school_sports/gw-s-ryan-switzer-receives-recognition/article_724e72a7-e192-5930-ab5b-4af1d765aea2.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=The Herald-Dispatch |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328182913/https://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/high_school_sports/gw-s-ryan-switzer-receives-recognition/article_724e72a7-e192-5930-ab5b-4af1d765aea2.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As a Sophomore, he led the team in receiving and scored 12 total touchdowns (receiving, rushing and return combined), averaging over 110 yards all purpose yards per game for the No. 1 ranked team in the state. He finished his senior season with 206 carries for 2,379 yards and 32 touchdowns; he also caught 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns and returned three interceptions for scores.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 4, 2018 |title=10 things to know about Ryan Switzer |url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/02/04/5-things-know-cowboys-draft-pick-ryan-switzer-like-channing-tatum-gets-zone |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=SportsDay |language=en |archive-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105121756/https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/02/04/5-things-know-cowboys-draft-pick-ryan-switzer-like-channing-tatum-gets-zone |url-status=live }}</ref>

In addition to football, Switzer participated in basketball, helping lead George Washington to the 2011 AAA state basketball title as their starting point guard.

Also a standout track and field athlete, Switzer finished 5th as a Freshman in the 2010 AAA state track meet in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.19 seconds<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 West Virginia WVSSAC Outdoor State Championships - info/results - 05/21/10 |url= https://wv.milesplit.com/meets/64809-west-virginia-state-championships-2010/results/124411/raw}}</ref> and 6th in the long jump at {{convert|21|ft|6|in|m}} and was the lead man on the 4×100 and 4×200 teams that won state championships. He was timed at 4.33 in the 40-yard dash, completed the 60-yard shuttle in 7.3 seconds and had a vertical leap of 34 inches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer's Football Recruiting Profile |url=https://www.ncsasports.org/football-recruiting/west-virginia/charleston/george-washington-high-school12/ryan-switzer |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=www.ncsasports.org |language=en |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125225347/https://www.ncsasports.org/football-recruiting/west-virginia/charleston/george-washington-high-school12/ryan-switzer |url-status=live }}</ref> He committed to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to play college football.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pianovich |first=Stephen |date=March 29, 2012 |title=Ryan Switzer Commits To North Carolina |url=http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archives/article_7eb39ed3-7554-5194-8038-d63110c535e0.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=The Daily Collegian |language=en}}</ref>

{{College athlete recruit start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2013}} {{College athlete recruit entry | recruit = Ryan Switzer | position = WR | hometown = Charleston, WV | highschool = George Washington HS | feet = 5 | inches = 10 | weight = 168 | 40 = 4.52 | commitdate = March 28, 2012 | scout stars = 4 | rivals stars = 3 | espn grade = 85 }} {{College athlete recruit end | 40 = yes | year = 2013 | rivals ref title = North Carolina Commit List for 2013 | scout ref title = Scout.com Football Recruiting: North Carolina | espn ref title = RecruitTracker 2013: North Carolina | rivals school = northcarolina | scout s = 73 | espn schoolid = 153 | scout overall = 47 (WR) | rivals overall = 22 (WR) | espn overall = 59 (WR) | accessdate = February 11, 2013 | collapse = no }}

==College career== 175px|thumb|left|Switzer in 2012 As a freshman at UNC in 2013, Switzer led all NCAA major college players with an average of 20.9 yards per punt return. He accounted for five punt return touchdowns during the season and also had 32 receptions for 341 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns.<ref name="NPR">{{Cite web |year=2015 |title=Football Bowl Subdivision Records |url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/fbs.pdf |publisher=NCAA |pages=72–74 |access-date=November 10, 2015 |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802032517/http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2015/fbs.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810072719/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 2, against NC State, he threw a 59-yard passing touchdown to Quinshad Davis in the 27–19 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=North Carolina at North Carolina State Box Score, November 2, 2013 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-11-02-north-carolina-state.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810105102/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2013-11-02-north-carolina-state.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As a sophomore in 2014, he caught 61 passes for 757 yards and four touchdowns.<ref name="SR">{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1.html |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=Sports Reference |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |language=en |archive-date=December 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221219102653/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810072716/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 20, against East Carolina, he threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to T. J. Thorpe in the 70–41 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=North Carolina at East Carolina Box Score, September 20, 2014 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-20-east-carolina.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810105140/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2014-09-20-east-carolina.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a junior in 2015, Switzer recorded a team-high 55 receptions for 697 yards and six touchdowns and also returned two punts for scores.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112181504/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2015/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 North Carolina Tar Heels Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina/2015.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310220615/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina/2015.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2015, a controversial decision by the Atlantic Coast Conference negated a 70-yard punt return by Switzer, ruling that he had given an "invalid signal" before the return.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carter |first=Andrew |date=October 19, 2015 |title=ACC stands by controversial call that negated Ryan Switzer punt return |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/article40311963.html |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=The Charlotte Observer |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118184326/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/article40311963.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In his senior season, Switzer set a school single-season record with 96 receptions for 1,112 yards and scored six touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2016 |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094939/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1/gamelog/2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> He left North Carolina as the career record holder in both receptions and receiving yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=North Carolina Tar Heels Receiving |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina/receiving.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Sports Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314141810/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/north-carolina/receiving.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Statistics=== {{See also|List of NCAA major college football yearly punt and kickoff return leaders|label 1 = NCAA punt return leaders}} {| class="wikitable" |- ! colspan="2"| Legend |- | style="background:#e0cef2;| | FBS record |- | style="background:#cfecec;| | Led NCAA Division I FBS |- | '''Bold''' | Career high |} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |- College statistics |- ! rowspan="2" |Year ! rowspan="2" |Team ! colspan="2" |Games ! colspan="4" |Receiving ! colspan="4" |Rushing ! colspan="4" |Punt returns ! colspan="4" |Kick returns |- ! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! TD !! Ret !! Yds !! Avg !! TD |- ! 2013 || North Carolina | 13 || 0 || 32 || 341 || 10.7 || 3 || '''10''' || '''29''' || 2.9 || 0 || 24 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''502''' || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''20.9''' || style="background:#e0cef2;"|'''5''' || — || — || — || — |- ! 2014 || North Carolina | 13 || 9 || 61 || 762 || 12.5 || 4 || 8 || '''29''' || 3.6 || 0 || style="background:#cfecec;"|'''37''' || 172 || 4.6 || 0 || '''1''' || '''17''' || '''17.0''' || 0 |- ! 2015 || North Carolina | '''14''' || 10 || 55 || 697 || '''12.7''' || '''6''' || 3 || 6 || 2.0 || 0 || 22 || 302 || 13.7 || 2 || '''1''' || 8 || 8.0 || 0 |- ! 2016 || North Carolina | 13 || '''11''' || '''96''' || '''1,112''' || 11.6 || '''6''' || 3 || 14 || '''4.7''' || 0 || 16 || 106 || 6.6 || 0 || — || — || — || — |- ! colspan="2" | [https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/ryan-switzer-1.html Career] !! 53 !! 30 !! 244 !! 2,912 !! 11.9 !! 19 !! 24 !! 78 !! 3.3 !! 0 !! 99 !! 1,082 !! 10.9 !! 7 !! 2 !! 25 !! 12.5 !! 0 |}

==Professional career== {{NFL predraft | height ft = 5 | height in = 8½ | weight = 181 | dash = 4.51 | ten split = 1.56 | twenty split = 2.63 | shuttle = 4.00 | cone drill = 6.77

| vertical = 34 | broad ft = 9 | broad in = 10 | bench = 11 | arm span = 28 | hand span = 9¼ | note = All values from 2017 NFL Combine.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer Draft Profile |url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/ryan-switzer?id=2557960 |website=NFL.com |access-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-date=May 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505235318/http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/ryan-switzer?id=2557960 |url-status=live }}</ref> }}

===Dallas Cowboys=== Switzer was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round (133rd overall) in the 2017 NFL draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=April 29, 2017 |title=Cowboys add slot receiver Ryan Switzer |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-add-slot-receiver-ryan-switzer-0ap3000000804708 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419004839/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000804708/article/cowboys-add-slot-receiver-ryan-switzer |url-status=live }}</ref> He was the fourth of five North Carolina Tar Heels to be selected that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/draft.htm |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003194309/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/draft.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> A hamstring injury forced him to miss multiple training camp practices and the first two preseason games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davison |first=Drew |date=July 27, 2018 |title=Cowboys WR Ryan Switzer isn't too concerned about hamstring injury |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article164104162.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102193345/https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article164104162.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2017 |title=Cowboys' Ryan Switzer: In line to play Thursday |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/cowboys-ryan-switzer-in-line-to-play-thursday/ |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094918/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/cowboys-ryan-switzer-in-line-to-play-thursday/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On September 10, 2017, Switzer made his NFL debut in the season opener against the New York Giants. In the game, his role was being the kickoff and punt returner. He fielded two kick returns for 42 net yards and one punt return for no yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys - September 10th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100dal.htm |access-date=October 6, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914220331/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709100dal.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 25, against the Arizona Cardinals, he recorded a three-yard rush on the first carry of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals - September 25th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709250crd.htm |access-date=November 5, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013075534/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201709250crd.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 1, against the Los Angeles Rams, he fumbled a punt that the Rams recovered at the Cowboys' 18-yard line and led to a touchdown score five plays later, contributing to a 30–35 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys - October 1st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710010dal.htm |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117131141/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201710010dal.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 30, 2017, Switzer had an 83-yard punt return against the Washington Redskins to score his first career touchdown, and the first Cowboys' punt return touchdown in four years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys - November 30th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711300dal.htm |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112403/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201711300dal.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Outside of the season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles, he was not given much of a chance at wide receiver, finishing with 4 receptions for 32 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles - December 31st, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712310phi.htm |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117071808/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201712310phi.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwitRy00/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 26, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926051910/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwitRy00/gamelog/2017/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

He led the team in both punt and kickoff returns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Dallas Cowboys Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2017.htm |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605044801/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/2017.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He averaged 8.8 yards per punt return and was ninth-best in the NFL among 20 returners with at least 25 attempts. He averaged 25 yards per kickoff attempt and was third-best in the league among the 10 kick returners with at least 24 attempts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Kick & Punt Returns |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/returns.htm |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=June 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180605145225/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2017/returns.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2017.htm |access-date=2024-07-29|website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>

===Oakland Raiders=== On April 28, 2018, after the Cowboys acquired Tavon Austin and drafted two wide receivers, Switzer was traded to the Oakland Raiders in exchange for defensive tackle Jihad Ward.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teope |first=Herbie |date=April 28, 2018 |title=Cowboys trade Ryan Switzer to Raiders for Jihad Ward |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-trade-ryan-switzer-to-raiders-for-jihad-ward-0ap3000000930144 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=January 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125054802/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000930144/article/cowboys-trade-ryan-switzer-to-raiders-for-jihad-ward |url-status=live }}</ref> He was acquired to be the Oakland Raiders' return specialist, reuniting with Rich Bisaccia who was his special teams coach with the Cowboys.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2018 |title=Cowboys Trade Receiver and Kick Returner Ryan Switzer |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/Cowboys-Trade-Receiver-and-Kick-Returner-Ryan-Switzer-481159571.html |access-date=June 4, 2018 |website=NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth |language=en |archive-date=August 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811195634/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/Cowboys-Trade-Receiver-and-Kick-Returner-Ryan-Switzer-481159571.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Pittsburgh Steelers=== On August 27, 2018, Switzer was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers along with a 2019 sixth-round draft pick (#175-Sutton Smith), in exchange for a 2019 fifth-round draft choice (#158-Michael Jackson).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=August 27, 2018 |title=Oakland Raiders trading Ryan Switzer to Steelers |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/oakland-raiders-trading-ryan-switzer-to-steelers-0ap3000000951794 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314161259/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000951794/article/oakland-raiders-trading-ryan-switzer-to-steelers |url-status=live }}</ref> During the Steelers' Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Switzer recorded his first receiving touchdown as a Steeler on a one-yard reception from Ben Roethlisberger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - September 24th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201809240tam.htm |access-date=March 16, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=April 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190414180522/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201809240tam.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 25, 2018, against the Denver Broncos, Switzer had six receptions for a season-high 67 yards during the loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos - November 25th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201811250den.htm |access-date=March 16, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331110521/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201811250den.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> He finished the season with 36 receptions for 253 yards, one receiving touchdown, 30 punt returns for 252 yards and 30 kickoff returns for 607 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Switzer 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SwitRy00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=March 16, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}</ref>

On November 14, 2019, Switzer was placed on injured reserve with a back injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=November 14, 2019 |title=Nix, Switzer placed on IR |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/nix-switzer-placed-on-ir |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=Steelers.com |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209054201/https://www.steelers.com/news/nix-switzer-placed-on-ir |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 26, he was designated for return from injured reserve, and began practicing with the team again, but was not activated as the Steelers failed to make the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Varley |first=Teresa |date=December 26, 2019 |title=Nix and Switzer designated for return |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/nix-and-switzer-designated-for-return |access-date=December 27, 2019 |website=Steelers.com |archive-date=December 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226210459/https://www.steelers.com/news/nix-and-switzer-designated-for-return |url-status=live }}</ref> He appeared in 9 games and played only 81 offensive snaps. He registered 8 receptions for 27 yards, 8 punt returns for 29 yards and 9 kickoff returns for 166 yards.

In 2020, he was passed on the depth chart by Ray-Ray McCloud during training camp, and was waived on September 5, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=September 5, 2020 |title=Steelers release Ryan Switzer in move to 53 |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/05/steelers-release-ryan-switzer/ |access-date=September 5, 2020 |website=ProFootballTalk |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919003934/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/05/steelers-release-ryan-switzer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Cleveland Browns=== Switzer was signed to the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns on October 1, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2020 |title=Browns sign WR Ryan Switzer to practice squad |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-sign-wr-ryan-switzer-to-practice-squad |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324231117/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-sign-wr-ryan-switzer-to-practice-squad |url-status=live }}</ref> He was placed on the practice squad/injured list on November 10, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2020 |title=Ryan Switzer: Placed on practice IR |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/ryan-switzer-placed-on-practice-ir/ |access-date=December 16, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804060546/https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/ryan-switzer-placed-on-practice-ir/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and restored to the practice squad on December 8, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2020 |title=Browns make roster moves |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-make-roster-moves-x8132 |access-date=January 14, 2021 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125101156/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-make-roster-moves-x8132 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was placed on the practice squad/COVID-19 list by the team on December 24, 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cabot |first=Mary Kay |date=December 24, 2020 |title=Browns LT Jedrick Wills Jr. placed on COVID-19 reserve as close contact unrelated to charity event; 'possibility' he'll face Jets |url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/12/browns-lt-jedrick-wills-jr-placed-on-the-covid-19-reserve-list-as-a-close-contact-on-track-to-face-the-jets.html |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=Cleveland.com |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208192517/https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2020/12/browns-lt-jedrick-wills-jr-placed-on-the-covid-19-reserve-list-as-a-close-contact-on-track-to-face-the-jets.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and restored to the practice squad on December 30.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2020 |title=S Ronnie Harrison Jr. activated as Browns make roster moves |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/s-ronnie-harrison-jr-activated-as-browns-make-roster-moves |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126151147/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/s-ronnie-harrison-jr-activated-as-browns-make-roster-moves |url-status=live }}</ref>

On January 23, 2021, Switzer signed a reserve/futures contract with the Browns.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 23, 2021 |title=Browns sign WR Ryan Switzer |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-sign-wr-ryan-switzer |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519023959/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-sign-wr-ryan-switzer |url-status=live }}</ref> The Browns placed Switzer on injured reserve on August 16, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2021 |title=Browns reduce roster to 85 |url=https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-reduce-roster-to-85 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=ClevelandBrowns.com |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529073337/https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-reduce-roster-to-85 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 18, 2022, Switzer announced his retirement from the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trotter |first=Jake |author-link=Jake Trotter |date=July 18, 2022 |title=Former Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Ryan Switzer announces retirement |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34263169/former-cleveland-browns-pittsburgh-steelers-receiver-ryan-switzer-announces-retirement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125020929/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34263169/former-cleveland-browns-pittsburgh-steelers-receiver-ryan-switzer-announces-retirement |archive-date=November 25, 2022 |access-date=November 25, 2022 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

==Coaching career==

=== Tulsa === Tulsa hired Switzer as its wide receivers coach in 2023, under new head coach Kevin Wilson.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Baucom |first=Bryant |date=2023-01-23 |title=Former UNC standout named Tulsa wide receivers coach |url=https://www.si.com/college/unc/football/former-unc-standout-named-tulsa-wide-receivers-coach |access-date=2024-11-24 |work=Sports Illustrated |language=en-US}}</ref> Tulsa fired Wilson with one game remaining in the 2024 season and Switzer took over as interim head coach.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thamel |first=Pete |author-link=Pete Thamel |date=2024-11-24 |title=Sources: Tulsa to fire Wilson after latest blowout |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/42581760/sources-tulsa-firing-kevin-wilson-latest-blowout-loss |access-date=2024-11-24 |work=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Oregon === In 2026, Switzer was hired has an offensive analyst for Oregon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neel |first=Zachary |title=Oregon Ducks announce numerous coaching promotions, additions for 2026 |url=https://duckswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/ducks/football/2026/03/09/oregon-football-coaching-staff-2026/89075590007/ |access-date=2026-03-10 |website=Ducks Wire |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Head coaching record== {{CFB Yearly Record Start | type = coach | team = | conf = Indiana | bowl = | poll = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subhead | name = Tulsa Golden Hurricane | conf = American Athletic Conference | startyear = 2024 | endyear = single }} {{CFB Yearly Record Entry | championship = | year = 2024 | name = Tulsa | overall = 0–1 | conference = 0–1 | confstanding = T–13th{{efn|group=record|Succeeded Kevin Wilson with one game remaining}} | bowlname = | bowloutcome = | bcsbowl = | ranking = no | ranking2 = no }} {{CFB Yearly Record Subtotal | name = Tulsa | overall = 0–1 | confrecord = 0–1 }} {{CFB Yearly Record End | overall = 0–1 | bowls = no | poll = no | polltype = | legend = no }} {{notelist|group=record}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{commons}} {{footballstats|pfr=S/SwitRy00|yahoo=30246|espn=3039725}} *[https://goheels.com/sports/football/roster/ryan-switzer/12419 North Carolina Tar Heels bio]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Switzer, Ryan}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:American football return specialists Category:American football wide receivers Category:Dallas Cowboys players Category:George Washington High School (Charleston, West Virginia) alumni Category:North Carolina Tar Heels football players Category:Oakland Raiders players Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players Category:Players of American football from Charleston, West Virginia Category:Cleveland Browns players Category:Tulsa Golden Hurricane football coaches Category:Coaches of American football from West Virginia