The Jets’ defense stood out as the strongest unit of the Robert Saleh tenure.
And that’s where the franchise is looking after Saleh’s stunning firing after just five games Tuesday.
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is taking over as the Jets’ interim coach and will remain in that role for the rest of the season, the Jets announced in a statement via team owner Woody Johnson.
“He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team,” Johnson said in the statement. “I believe he along with the the coaches on this staff can get the most out of our talented team and attain the gaol we established this offseason.”
Ulbrich joined the Jets in 2021 when Saleh took over as the team’s head coach after previously serving as the Falcons defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
He has led strong units despite a 20-36 record during Saleh’s reign.
The Jets ranked last in the NFL in yards allowed per game in the pair’s initial season in 2021, but rebounded to finish fourth and third in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Gang Green is second this season, surrendering just 255.8 yards per game. The Jets also rank seventh by allowing only 17 points per game.
Ulbrich, 47, brings playing experience to this role, which always resonates within a locker room.
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He played 10 seasons in the NFL with the 49ers from 2000-09 after being selected in the third round by San Francisco out of Hawaii.
Ulbrich played in 120 games with 75 starts and registered 5 1/2 sacks in his career.
His first game as head coach will come in a prime-time “Monday Night Football” showdown against the Bills at MetLife Stadium with first place in the AFC East up for grabs.
The Jets (2-3) sit just one game out of first place in the division despite back-to-back losses to the Vikings and the Broncos.
Ulbrich’s defense allowed just 10 points in the Week 4 setback against the Browns and only 16 points (Aaron Rodgers threw a pick-six) against the Vikings.
