Seely attended South Dakota State University, where he played football and was an All-Conference offensive lineman.
Seely began his college coaching career in 1978 with his alma mater South Dakota State.
He then moved to Colorado State University as a graduate assistant in 1979 and was promoted to offensive line coach in 1979.
In 1984, Seely rounded out his college career with 5 years at Oklahoma State, coaching an offensive line that led Barry Sanders to the 1988 Heisman Trophy.
Seely made the jump to the professional level in 1989, working as the tight ends and special teams coach for the Indianapolis Colts through 1993.