The New York Jets are in a new era at head coach. Robert Saleh was fired just five games into the 2024 season after leading the Jets to a disappointing 2-3 record. Saleh, who joined the Jets in 2021, went 20-36 in 3+ seasons at the helm in New York.
Let’s look at the head coaching situation for the Jets following Saleh’s firing.
Who Is the New York Jets Head Coach?
Jeff Ulbrich is currently serving as New York’s interim head coach. He was promoted to the position immediately after Saleh was fired.
Ulbrich was awarded the position over offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who has prior head coaching experience with the Denver Broncos. This is Ulbrich’s first opportunity as an NFL head coach.
What’s Jeff Ulbrich’s Other Coaching Experience?
Ulbrich, a former NFL linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers, began his professional coaching career in 2010 as assistant special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. He held the position for two seasons before serving as UCLA’s linebackers coach and special teams coordinator from 2012 through 2014.
MORE: Current Head Coaches | Longest Tenured Coaches
Ulbrich moved back to the pros in 2015 when he joined the Falcons. He spent six seasons in Atlanta with stints as a linebackers coach, assistant head coach, and defensive coordinator.
Ulbrich was hired as the Jet’s defensive coordinator in 2021, a position he still holds in addition to his interim head coaching duties.
Who Was the Head Coach Before Ulbrich?
Ulbrich was preceded by Saleh, Adam Gase, Todd Bowles, and Rex Ryan.
Here’s the Jets’ full head coaching history:
- 1960-61: Sammy Baugh
- 1962: Bulldog Turner
- 1963-73: Weeb Ewbank
- 1974-75: Charley Winner
- 1975: Ken Shipp
- 1976: Lou Holtz
- 1976: Mike Holovak
- 1977-1982: Walt Michaels
- 1983-1989: Joe Walton
- 1990-93: Bruce Coslet
- 1994: Pete Carroll
- 1995-1996: Rich Kotite
- 1997-99: Bill Parcells
- 2000: Al Groh
- 2001-05: Herman Edwards
- 2006-08: Eric Mangini
- 2009-14: Rex Ryan
- 2015-18: Todd Bowles
- 2019-20: Adam Gase
- 2021-24: Robert Saleh
- Present: Jeff Ulbrich
What Is Ulbrich’s Record With the Jets?
Ulbrich’s record is 0-0 with the Jets. He has no prior head coaching experience in college or in the NFL.
Who Could Be the Jets Head Coach in 2025?
The Jets could promote Ulbrich to be their permanent head coach next offseason. But they also could target some of the top candidates that become available during the hiring cycle.
Be sure to check out our initial list of future Jets head coaching candidates. And, yes, Bill Belichick is on the list, although the New England Patriots legend seems like a long shot.
There is also our list of the 15 top head coaching candidates who could generate interest next offseason.