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Who Is Jeff Ulbrich? Meet The Jets Interim Head Coach

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Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

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Published2 hours ago on October 10, 2024

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Jeff Ulbrich stands and stares.

Who is Jeff Ulbrich? The New York Jets defensive coordinator is now the interim head coach. Learn more about Ulbrich below.

Jeff Ulbrich: Jets Interim Head Coach

On October 8, Jets owner Woody Johnson fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the 2024 season.

Shortly after the firing, the Jets promoted Ulbrich from defensive coordinator to interim head coach. Ulbrich, 47, has been the Jets defensive coordinator since 2021.

Since taking over the defense, Ulbrich’s unit has allowed an average of 301.7 yards per game, the second-lowest total in the NFL.

Prior to the Jets, Ulbrich spent six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, serving as linebackers coach (2015-2019), assistant head coach (2020), and defensive coordinator (2020).

Ulbrich began his coaching career as an assistant special teams coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks (2010-2011). Ulbrich then went to UCLA (2012-2013), where he spent two seasons as a linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.

Ulbrich played linebacker at the University of Hawaii (1997–1999) before being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft.

Ulbrich played for the 49ers from 2000 to 2009 before retiring due to concussions.

Jeff Ulbrich Shakes Jets’ Offense Up

In his first major move as the interim head coach, Ulbrich named Todd Downing as New York’s offensive playcaller, replacing Nathaniel Hackett. However, Hackett will still remain the Jets’ offensive coordinator.

“This is more a byproduct of [seeking] a different take on things,” Ulbrich told reporters on Thursday. “I’m not saying it’s a better or worse take on things by any means, but just a different take on things, a fresh approach. So ultimately, Todd will have the full say on the game plan and ultimately the plays that are called within the game.”

Hackett has close ties to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with the tandem working together in Green Bay from 2019 to 2021. How does Rodgers feel about the change in playcallers?

“I knew there’d be changes after they let Robert go,” Rodgers said on Thursday. “Had conversations with [Ulbrich] over the two days. I knew that he was thinking about it, learning toward it, and I told him I’d back him up whatever he decided.”

The Jets offense has struggled through five games, ranking 25th in points per game (18.6), 26th in yards per game (286.6), and 32nd in rushing yards per game (80.4).

The Jets host the Bills on Monday Night Football in Week 6.