The New York Jets will once again be a fixture at the Senior Bowl
The New York Jets are again involved in one of college football’s premier all-star games.
Announced on Wednesday, Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was named the head coach of the National Team at the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
🚨 2024 Senior Bowl Coaches🚨
Leading the National Team:
HC- @nyjets DC Jeff Ulbrich
OC- @Giants QB Shea Tierney
DC- @Vikings PGC/DB Daronte Jones
ST- @Saints ASPTC Phil Galiano#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️
Link: https://t.co/b6wegz0vRf pic.twitter.com/F5YK5wXKFp— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 18, 2024
After the announcement, Ulbrich released a statement about being named a head coach for the event.
“I’m extremely honored to be chosen as one of the head coaches for the Senior Bowl. This game has featured some of the greatest players in NFL history and remains as one of the highest honors that can be given to a college football player. It also has consistently given under-the-radar players from big and small school schools alike an opportunity to compete against the best,” said Ulbrich.
“Compete in a venue with the guidance of NFL coaches and get unrivaled exposure to every NFL team. This game is also a critical part of my story. I played in the 2000 Senior Bowl and went from a potentially undrafted rookie to a third-round pick, which is actually pretty common throughout the history of this storied game. Again, I’m honored and excited about helping and guiding the newest class of NFL players through this amazing week. Can’t wait to see everyone in Mobile.”
Head coach Robert Saleh also released a statement in which he called the team’s defensive coordinator “a true leader.” He also said that Ulbrich would serve as a “tremendous asset” in Mobile and “it would give people a look at the great work we see from him every day at our facility.”
It is good to see that Ulbrich is getting recognition for the Senior Bowl, especially after the way the Jets’ defense has performed in the past few years.
In 2023, the Jets’ defense ranked third-best in each of these categories: yards allowed (292.3), defensive DVOA (-14.2%), and expected points contributed by a defense (75.8). Ulbrich has also helped numerous players develop into vital contributors for the team, whether it’s highly-drafted players like Sauce Gardner and Jermaine Johnson or unheralded pickups like Quincy Williams, Bryce Huff, Tony Adams, and Michael Carter II.
Additionally, having a member of the Jets’ organization at the Senior Bowl could be a boost for their draft process. Having Ulbrich be hands-on with players on both sides of the ball will help the team’s draft evaluations and roster construction.
Look no further than the aforementioned Johnson. After a stellar performance at the 2022 Senior Bowl, where the Jets’ coaching staff was involved, the team targeted the Florida State product in a trade-up. They also drafted three other players who appeared in that Senior Bowl: tight end Jeremy Ruckert, tackle Max Mitchell, and defensive end Micheal Clemons. It is a prime example of what an early, hands-on experience with prospects can bring to a team.
The opportunity to coach at the Senior Bowl is positive on multiple fronts. It not only allows Ulbrich to show off his ability as a future coaching candidate but also can give the Jets an ever-so-slight advantage on their completion in the draft process.
