Who is Jeff Ulbrich? What to know about the Jets interim head coach – NBC New York

It's a new era in New York.

In an unprecedented move for Jets owner Woody Johnson, the team fired head coach Robert Saleh following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London. In search of a spark, the team will now turn to a new leader on the sidelines.

Gradually, Jeff Ulbrich, the defensive coordinator, became the interim head coach. Ulbrich's first test will be tough as the Jets will host the Buffalo Bills for Monday Night Football at MetLife Stadium to close out Week 6.

So who exactly is the new man in charge of the Big Apple? Here's what you should know about Jeff Ulbrich.

How old is Jeff Ulbrich?

Jeff Ulbrich is 47 years old. He was born on February 17, 1977 in San Jose, California.

How do you pronounce Jeff Ulbrich's name?

Ulbrich's last name is pronounced “ULL-brick”.

Did Jeff Ulbrich play football?

Ulbrich redshirted at San Jose State before playing one season at Gavilan College in Gilroy, California.

From there, Ulbrich went to the University of Hawaii, where he earned all-conference honors and was named team captain.

He spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, who selected him in the third round of the 2000 NFL Draft.

Coaching story by Jeff Ulbrich

Ulbrich got his first NFL coaching job shortly after his playing career ended. In 2010, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks on special teams. He joined the UCLA coaching staff in 2012 and spent three years there before returning to the NFL in 2015 with the Atlanta Falcons. He was hired as the team's linebackers coach and promoted to defensive coordinator during the 2020 season under interim head coach Raheem Morris.

Ulbrich came to New York in 2021 to become the Jets' defensive coordinator under new head coach Robert Saleh. He spent more than three seasons in that position before becoming interim coach following Saleh's dismissal.

The Jets finished the last two seasons with a top-five defense in yards allowed after finishing last in the NFL in 2021.

When will Jeff Ulbrich make his debut as head coach?

Ulbrich's first game as interim coach will be on Monday Night Football against the Bills.

From there, the Jets play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football in Week 8 before visiting the New England Patriots in Week 9.