Jeff Ulbrich interviews for Jets' head-coaching opening
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich of the Jets looks on against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Jeff Ulbrich was formally interviewed by the Jets on Monday and got the chance to state his case for why he should be their full-time head coach.
Ulbrich was thrown into the role of interim head coach on Oct. 8 after Robert Saleh was fired. The Jets went 3-9 under Ulbrich and finished 5-12.
Ulbrich is very popular among the players and in the Jets’ building, but he is considered a long shot to keep the job.
The Jets are casting a wide net in their coaching search. They’re looking for someone who can help change the culture and snap their 14-year streak of missing the playoffs. It’s the longest current drought in the four major sports.
They already have interviewed eight people besides Ulbrich for the vacancy: Ron Rivera, Mike Vrabel, Rex Ryan, Matt Nagy, Aaron Glenn, Mike Locksley, Steve Spagnuolo and Darren Rizzi.
Vrabel was introduced as the Patriots’ new coach Monday.
The Jets are expected to interview other candidates this week, including Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and Vikings quarterbacks coach and former Jet Josh McCown.
Mike McCarthy, who coached Aaron Rodgers with Green Bay, also is available after the Cowboys announced Monday that they are not bringing him back. It’s unclear whether the Jets will have an interest. The Jets interviewed McCarthy in 2019 before they hired Adam Gase.
The Jets also have conducted interviews with 13 known candidates for their general manager opening.
Ulbrich, a former linebacker who played 10 years for the 49ers, joined the Jets in 2021 as their defensive coordinator. He retained that title and still ran the defense after replacing Saleh.
The Jets were one of the top defenses in 2022 and 2023, finishing fifth and third, respectively, in total defense. They ranked third this year, but their defense wasn’t the same after Saleh was let go.
They gave up at least 25 points in eight of their last 11 games and finished 20th in points allowed (23.8 per game).
Cornerback Sauce Gardner was named All-Pro twice and to two Pro Bowls, tackle Quinnen Williams earned one All-Pro nod and played in two Pro Bowls and linebacker Quincy Williams was an All-Pro under Ulbrich’s watch.
Ulbrich started his coaching career in 2010 as an assistant special teams coach for the Seattle Seahawks. After two years in that role, he served three years as UCLA’s linebackers and special teams coach.
He returned to the NFL in 2015 as the Falcons’ linebackers coach. In 2020, Ulbrich was named the Falcons’ assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
The 49ers were interested in hiring Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator last season, but he stayed with the Jets.
Ulbrich and Saleh are being mentioned as strong candidates for the 49ers’ open defensive coordinator position. Saleh has interviews for head-coaching jobs lined up with the Jaguars and Raiders.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
