The New York Jets (2-3) returned from their Week 5 excursion to London and swiftly executed a significant organizational change. On Tuesday morning, the Jets revealed they had parted ways with coach Robert Saleh following a 23-17 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been appointed as the interim head coach.

During Saleh’s leadership, the team experienced an inconsistent offense paired with solid defensive performances. Ulbrich has been at the helm of the defense throughout Saleh’s entire tenure in New York.

Since joining the Jets as part of Saleh’s coaching staff in 2021, Ulbrich has served as the defensive coordinator. Over the last two years, the Jets ranked fourth in the NFL for total defense in 2022 and third in 2023. In 2023, they restricted opponents to a league-low average of 4.6 yards per play. From 2021 onward, the Jets have allowed the second-fewest yards per game in the league.

While Saleh did not call plays for either the offense or defense, Ulbrich commanded the Jets’ defensive unit during games. He was a candidate to secure head coaching interviews in 2025 and now has the chance to solidify his position in New York. Ulbrich served as head coach for the Senior Bowl earlier this year and is now getting the opportunity to lead an NFL club.

Jeff Ulbrich’s Coaching Background

Prior to his role with the Jets, Ulbrich worked as the linebackers coach for the Atlanta Falcons for five seasons. In 2020, he was designated as the assistant head coach, and by Week 6 of that year, he ascended to defensive coordinator when Raheem Morris took over as interim head coach following Dan Quinn’s dismissal.

Ulbrich’s coaching journey started immediately after wrapping up a ten-year playing career in the NFL. From 2010 to 2011, he spent two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks as a special teams assistant. He was then hired by UCLA, where he coached linebackers and special teams, establishing himself quickly and receiving a promotion to assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

Jeff Ulbrich’s Professional Journey

New York Jets | 2021-Present

• Interim Head Coach – 2024
• Defensive Coordinator – 2021-Present

Atlanta Falcons | 2015-20

• Interim Defensive Coordinator – 2020
• Assistant Head Coach / Linebackers – 2020
• Linebackers Coach – 2015-19

UCLA | 2012-14

• Defensive Coordinator – 2014
• Assistant Head Coach / Linebackers / Special Teams – 2012-13

Seattle Seahawks | 2010-2011

• Special Teams Assistant – 2010-11

Playing Career

• San Francisco 49ers (Linebacker) – 2000-09
• Hawai’i (Linebacker) – 1998-99
• Gavilan (California) Junior College (Linebacker) – 1997
• San Jose State (Linebacker) – 1996 (redshirt)

Ulbrich played linebacker for a decade in the NFL, primarily with the San Francisco 49ers, participating in 120 games and recording 653 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions.

He began his college football journey at Hawaii, where he was selected in the third round of the 2000 NFL draft by the 49ers.