“It’s us against everybody.”
That was one of Jeff Ulbrich‘s most notable quotes during his first media availability as the new interim head coach for the New York Jets. Ulbrich spoke about the opportunity to be a head coach and what he wants to bring to the table in 2024.
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Ulbrich started off his press conference by thanking former head coach Robert Saleh for the opportunity to be on his coaching staff.
“I want to open this up by just making clear my love, respect, and regard for Coach (Robert) Saleh and all that he’s done here. I have great gratitude for him bringing me here, for staying by me, especially for the people that have been here when, in year one, we didn’t play the level of defense necessary to win games. He stuck with me, and he had great belief in me. The success I have today, he’s a huge part of that. I have tremendous respect and love for his family as well, so today’s an exciting day for me from the standpoint of getting this opportunity, but at the same time, it is heavy in my heart for Robert.”
The former defensive coordinator also discussed potential offensive changes, saying that “everything is on the table” for the Jets.
“Everything will be assessed. The process, the responsibilities, etc., but I do not foresee any changes in the staff. We’re going to take a deep dive into that in the next, really 36 hours, and look at every possibility. I do not necessarily see changes in titles and positions. As far as responsibilities and the process itself, we’re going to take a hard look at that.”
Ulbrich also gave his thoughts on what he can do to turn the Jets’ season around.
“We’re going to take a hard look at everything. I agree with Mr. Johnson as far as the talent of this roster. We have been underperforming for whatever reason, and we will take a hard look at all of it. At the end of the day, I’m going to be me, and I have tremendous love and respect for this team, for this roster, for this locker room, for this group of coaches. I really believe if we lock arms and commit to the process that we put in place, we will have success.”
The new head coach also mentioned that the team is “too talented to be putting the product we put out there the last couple weeks” and that the Jets have to be “honest” with themselves.
Regardless of the interim label, it seems that Ulbrich is ready to put his stamp on the Jets this season. He sounds motivated to right the ship and get the team to play consistent high-level football.
It remains to be seen how successful he will be, but based on his first press conference, Ulbrich seems up to the challenge that has been presented to him.
