Who is Jeff Ulbrich? Meet interim Jets HC replacing Robert Saleh

Jeff Ulbrich has been appointed as the New York Jets' interim head coach after Robert Saleh's firing on Tuesday. Saleh was hired by the Jets in 2021 and compiled a 20-36 record as the team's coach.

Following his elevation from defensive coordinator, let's examine the New York Jets' new interim coach and what he brings to the new role.

Who is Jeff Ulbrich?

Born on Feb. 17, 1977, in San Jose, California, Jeff Ulbrich is a former professional football player who played the linebacker position during his NFL career. He spent the entirety of his 10-year career with the San Francisco 49ers, helping the franchise to two postseason appearances. He spent two years playing for the University of Hawaii before being picked in the third round of the 2000 draft.

Ulbrich retired from professional football in 2009 and was hired as a special teams assistant by the Seattle Seahawks in 2010. He occupied the position until 2012 when he joined the UCLA Bruins as linebackers and special teams coach. While with the Bruins, he ascended the ranks, eventually becoming the team's defensive coordinator.

Ulbrich returned to the NFL when he was appointed as the Atlanta Falcons' linebackers coach. The highlight of his time in Atlanta was the team's reaching Super Bowl LI, which they narrowly lost to the New England Patriots. Ulbrich ascended to the role of defensive coordinator with the Falcons in 2020 when Raheem Morris became interim head coach.

Ulbrich joined the New York Jets as their defensive coordinator in 2021 under coach Robert Saleh. He was a major voice in defensive scheming and made the unit arguably the Jets' strongest. He was officially elevated to the position of interim head coach on Tuesday after Saleh was fired.

Ulbrich is married to his wife Cristina, and together, they have a daughter, Samantha, and sons, Jax and Jace.

How have the New York Jets performed this season?

The New York Jets have had a challenging start to the 2024 regular season. They have recorded losses to the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings. Their only wins of the season have come against the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots.

The team's Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings seemed to have been the last straw for the Robert Saleh administration. He's been relieved of his duties, with the Jets electing to employ defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in an interim capacity while they explore options for the top position.