Jeff Ulbrich was added to the Jets’ staff in 2021 as defensive coordinator, a role he held until this week. Now in place as New York’s interim head coach, Ulbrich has seen his stock within the organization rise over time. 
The 47-year-old was not highly thought of by owner Woody Johnson after his first two years working under Robert Saleh. Ulbrich was a potential target of Johnson’s during the 2023 offseason with respect to coaching changes, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated notes (video link). Johnson’s view changed that winter, however, when 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan showed interest in Ulbrich as a potential San Francisco defensive coordinator replacement for DeMeco Ryans.
Ulbrich was blocked before an interview could take place that year, but he remained on the 49ers’ radar. As The Athletic’s Matt Barrows writes, San Francisco once again tried to “pry [Ulbrich] from New York” this February (subscription required). That renewed effort was unsuccessful, and the 49ers promoted Nick Sorenson to DC after Steve Wilks was dismissed. Now, Ulbrich – who spent his entire 10-year playing career in the Bay Area – is believed to be held in high regard by Jets players and staffers alike as he begins his first stint as an NFL head coach.
New York has ranked no worse than fourth in yards allowed since 2022, and the team’s total defense sits in the top five for the third time in the past four years. Ulbrich will retain play-calling duties on that side of the ball, and expectations will remain high as improvements on offense are sought out. Ulbrich followed through with Saleh’s intention of handing play-calling duties to Todd Downing, taking them away from offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in the process.
“This is more a byproduct of a different take on things,” Ulbrich said of the decision (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “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.”
In addition to calling plays, Ulbrich confirmed Downing will have control over the offensive game plan moving forward. Hackett will still hold the title of OC, although this week’s changes will leave him with a notably reduced role. For Ulrich, the remainder of the campaign will prove to be an audition period as he attempts to stake his claim to the full-time Jets gig. Should New York go in a different direction this offseason, though, the 49ers would represent a team to watch closely regarding another pursuit.
Ah yes, definitely the thinking of a genius leader.
So basically, this guy doesn’t think for himself. Only found value once a successful organization showed interest? What a tool.
And ironically fired the guy who was responsible for retaining him…
Why think when you can simply hire a consultant firm to do some research and provide recommendations. Many sports organizations take that approach.
Woody Johnson’s view needs glasses. Or a new prescription.
Seems about right 4Jets, they didn’t know they had such a valuable commodity until strong organization pointed it out to em. Arods juggling alota balls, bein fading superstar, HC, n GM.
Every time he talks he makes it worse. Good lord. Getting fired is the best thing that could’ve happened for Saleh.
With a guaranteed contract as well!
Lmao so he needed someone external with good football sense to tell him what his opinion should be.
The 49ers also thought highly of Nick Sorensen and he’s terrible at his job.
49ers defense is
10th in yds/game
11th in PPG
8th in sacks
3rd in takeaways
That is with 4 of their 6 best players on defense missing at least one game with injuries. “Terrible at his job” comical. But it is safe to say you are terrible at understanding football with those kind of foolish takes.
They’re ranked 27th against the pass and 22nd in third down efficiency. Yes he’s terrible at his job.
The asbestos in his products zapped his brain of any thinking skills.
49ers loved Trey Lance
Justifying his decision publicly in order to placate fans that are bewildered by firing of HC but retaining the OC. If Saleh hired this Ulbrich cat and wanted to drop Hackett then the recent actions nearly mirror that proposal with the exception of ‘the guy with the idea was jettisoned’.
Owners time as a ‘political appointee’ has twisted his ability to think logically, if he ever had that capacity. Was he an ‘ambassador for the NFL’ sent to sell England on the ‘new’ version of football or to “represent the U.S.”?
Owners should, at the least, have a rudimentary understanding of the game before purchase. Changing ‘staff’ frequently bespeaks of confusion and frustration which permeates the organization and supporters. General continuity of structure builds confidence and ingenuity and avoids panic.
To be fair, Johnson’s questionable decision-making far predates his ambassadorship tilt.
“In addition to calling plays, Ulbrich confirmed Downing will have control over the offensive game plan moving forward. Hackett will still hold the title of OC, although this week’s changes will leave him with a notably reduced role.”
Sooo… other than just hanging around to be Aaron’s BFF, I’m confused what function Hackett will have with the team going forward. Ulbrich did state prior that this is a different approach and not necessarily permanent. Meaning there’s a chance that Downing will be worse at play-calling duties than Hackett, and they’ll swap roles again down the road.
But what if the Jets find success with this new configuration, will Aaron “breakup” with his BFF and tell the organization to cut him loose?! 🙂
GB checkmated both the Jets and Aaron.
Seems like this came from Woody’s side … why would he leak this thinking it makes him look good?
Sell the team Woody.