The New York Jets will play their first game since parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh on Monday Night Football vs. the Buffalo Bills. Let’s learn a little more about the new coach at the helm, former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Jeff Ulbrich’s Coaching History
2010-11: Seattle Seahawks
Following the end of his playing career, Ulbrich took a coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks, serving as the assistant special teams coach for two seasons. He was part of Pete Carroll’s initial coaching staff in Seattle.
2012-14: UCLA
Ulbrich proceeded to enter the college ranks, serving as UCLA’s linebackers and special teams coach under Jim Mora Jr. Ironically, Mora was Carroll’s predecessor in Seattle, going 7-9 during his lone season as Seahawks head coach in 2009.
2015-20: Atlanta Falcons
Ulbrich returned to the NFL, this time as a linebackers coach, returning to his roots. He was an assistant on Dan Quinn’s staff and remained there until Quinn was fired in the 2020 season.
After Quinn’s dismissal, Ulbrich took on the titles of assistant head coach and interim defensive coordinator, with Raheem Morris sliding up to interim head coach.
2021-Present: New York Jets
Arthur Smith cleaned house in Atlanta when he was hired as the Falcons head coach, so Ulbrich joined Saleh’s staff in New York. Saleh and Ulbrich had previously overlapped on the 2011 Seahawks coaching staff when the former was in his first season as a defensive quality control coach.
This was Ulbrich’s first defensive coordinator job and his highest title to date until he was named interim head coach.
Did Ulbrich Play Football?
Ulbrich had a long career as a linebacker, playing 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2000-09. Prior to that, he played college football at Hawaii, setting a school record in tackles during his senior season in 1999. Ulbrich went on to become a third-round pick of the 49ers in the 2000 NFL Draft, going 86th overall.
Ulbrich played 120 career games during his decade-long career with the Niners, starting 75. He compiled 501 tackles, six forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He also started three playoff games for San Francisco across the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
One of Ulbrich’s more prominent teammates was future Hall of Famer Patrick Willis. The two overlapped in San Francisco’s linebackers room from 2007-09, and Ulbrich credits Willis with his interest in becoming a coach.
New interim #Jets HC Jeff Ulbrich fell in love with coaching thanks to @PatrickWillis52!
This is such an awesome story! #49ers pic.twitter.com/5a5LxOuI9c
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) October 14, 2024
Ulbrich’s Salary and Net Worth
Ulbrich was not listed among the top 15 highest-paid defensive coordinators this offseason, according to Front Office Sports, so his annual appears to be in the six figures. Should he earn a full-time head coaching gig, that net worth would obviously increase.
Front Office Sports also estimated that 20 head coaches this season are making at least $3.5 million annually, so even the lower end of that tier would represent a nice pay bump for Ulbrich.