Jets announce the hiring of Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator

The Jets have officially announced the hiring of Jeff Ulbrich as their new defensive coordinator.

Ulbrich, who started last season as Atlanta’s assistant head coach and linebackers coach, was promoted to defensive coordinator when Raheem Morris took over head-coaching duties in October and the unit played significantly better down the stretch. In six seasons as Atlanta’s linebackers coach, Ulbrich mentored the likes of Deion Jones, De’Vondre Campbell and Foye Oluokun.

Ulbrich’s path crossed with Robert Saleh when the two spent time together with Seattle in 2011. Saleh was a quality control coach, while Ulbrich served as assistant special teams coach. Ulbrich then moved to UCLA spending three years as linebackers and special teams coach before moving to the Falcons. He served as linebackers coach before his in season promotion and added assistant head coach to his title in 2020.

Robert Saleh confirmed in his introductory press conference that Ulbrich will call the plays on defense so this is a very significant hire.

The team announced the hiring of five more defensive assistants. Andrew Whitecotton will serve as defensive line coach. Nate Ollie will be assistant defensive line coach. Chip Vaughn, Ricky Manning Jr. and Hayes Pullard will be defensive assistants.