Jeff Ulbrich is focused on the New York Jets’ final game, but he expects a big opportunity in the near future.
Asked about his future at Friday’s media availability, Ulbrich said he believes he will be given an opportunity to interview for the Jets’ full-time head coach job next week.
“Yeah, I think next week I’ll be given an opportunity at some point. For sure look forward to that. But at the same time, I’m in my feet right now. Got to finish this season right. These players deserve everything I have.”
Additionally, Ulbrich spoke about what changes the Jets’ culture needs to have.
“This culture, as far as the process, is right. I think these guys understand what it takes to be successful, they put the time in, all those things. I don’t think there’s a huge flaw in the culture. I don’t. I do think there’s an element of, there has been a lot of losing, and that’s hard to overcome, and it gets into you sometimes.
“You have to fight this internal narrative sometimes that ‘Here we go again,’ and I think that can exist for some people. You’ve got to fight it, you’ve got to overcome it, and the only way you cure it is by winning consistently. That will cure everything here. It will. Just have some success and a little momentum, and the culture will become what it’s supposed to be and what it needs to be.”
The Jets may be without some key leaders and contributors in their last game of the season. Ulbrich said that cornerback Sauce Gardner would be out with his injury, while Morgan Moses and Tyler Conklin will push to play. Additionally, he said that Alijah Vera-Tucker and Quinnen Williams will push to play against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Ulbrich, regarding Moses, spoke about what makes the offensive lineman so “inspirational” for the team this season.
“He is a guy who has played a lot of football in this league and is highly respected across the league. A lot of people would say that with all the injuries he has battled this year and all he has gone through, why would he even try? It is just such a demonstration of who this man is in his DNA and how unique and uncommon it is,” said Ulbrich.
“He feels such an obligation to his teammates, and he has such deep
relationships in that locker room that he feels like he has got to play. If he doesn’t play on Sunday, it is not going to be because he didn’t unturn every stone to try to be available for the fellows in that locker room.”
Despite likely getting an interview out of courtesy, it appears Sunday will be Ulbrich’s last game with the Jets. He will have to finish strong without key contributors and playmakers, something the coach has struggled to do this season.
Another new era for the Jets is almost at its dawn. But first, New York has to get through the final darkness of the 2024 season.
