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Former Jets Interim Coach Jeff Ulbrich Gets New NFL Job

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jan 18, 2025 7:51 PM ET

Well, we can now cross one candidate off the New York Jets' list of candidates for their vacant head coaching job: The man who held the role after they fired Robert Saleh.

It was defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich who took the reins for the final 12 games of the Jets' 2024 season after they fired Robert Saleh in October. Unfortunately for the Jets, Ulbrich didn't fare much better, winning just three games and leading the Jets to a 5-12 finish.

In spite of his rough stretch as interim head coach, the Jets were willing to give Ulbrich an interview for the job on a full-time basis, though most analysts believe he was never really under consideration to get the job, or even stay on the staff for the next administration.

But now, the Jets won't even need to say "No" to his face as Ulbrich has reportedly gotten a new coaching job.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Ulbrich has been named the new defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. Ulbrich has a history with the organization, and specifically with head coach Raheem Morris.

"The #Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, per sources. A former NFL linebacker, Ulbrich finished last season as the #Jets interim coach. Now he reunites with close friend Raheem Morris in Atlanta, where they worked together from 2015-20," Pelissero wrote.

The #Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, per sources.

A former NFL linebacker, Ulbrich finished last season as the #Jets interim coach. Now he reunites with close friend Raheem Morris in Atlanta, where they worked together from 2015-20. pic.twitter.com/aw1BJexL6L
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2025

Ulbrich previously coached there as an assistant under former head coach Dan Quinn. He was their linebackers coach from 2015 to 2019, then the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach in 2020.

When the Jets hired Robert Saleh as head coach in 2021, Ulbrich was hired as the defensive coordinator. After a rough first season, Ulbrich and Saleh turned the defense completely around, leading the defense to back-to-back top four rankings.

But offensive struggles effectively nullified any advantages that the defense could give them and the Jets went just 20-36 under Saleh before his firing after a 2-3 start this year.

Ulbrich tried his best but could not turn lead into gold in New York as the team lost their first three games under him.

He now returns to a familiar locale in Atlanta where perhaps he'll have more success.

As for the Jets, their search for a new head coach - and a new general manager - marches on.

How would you grade this hire for the Falcons?

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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