The New York Jets have fired head coach Robert Salehafter a disappointing 2-3 start to the 2023 NFL season The choice follows a growing drumbeat from both supporters and pundits as the Jets wander through an AFC East that has proved to be far more competitive than anticipated. Part of the change will see defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich taking over as interim head coach with a good deal of experience to bolster him in those duties.
The Decision to Part Ways
Management of the Jets has been criticized after the team’s uneven performance this season. The team entered the year with high expectations but those woes have sparked calls for a shakeup at the top. The Jets front office, presided over by GM Joe Douglas, decided a reset was the only way to save the season.
Hired in 2021, Saleh brought a defensive philosophy with him and was a fresh face. In his debut season, it seemed like the program was on an upward trend, but ended up beating itself in games that should have been won. After the consecutive losses, the pressure was getting to his players and they lost a hard-fought battle against their divisional opponents.
Assistant Head Coach Jeff Ulbrich Promoted to Interim Head Coach
Saleh’s exit led to the Jets opting for Jeff Ulbrich as their interim look. A lifelong Jet, Ulbrich was promoted to linebackers coach before the 2021 season and has quickly become one of the most respected voices in that locker room. That makes him a logical pick to keep playing while the team transitions, particularly given his familiarity with both players and the defensive scheme.
Having taken over as head coach, Ulbrich is tasked with picking up the pieces and rebuilding confidence as the team tries to save its season. His defensive background could also provide a different perspective on game management and strategy, especially in tight games — where the Jets have failed this season.
Impact on the Team
Saleh’s ouster is reverberating throughout the Jets locker room. The player’s reactions are likely to be mixed, however, as Saleh was a player’s coach who created a healthy culture. Still, the need for change to boost performance could invigorate the team as they adjust to the new voice provided by Ulbrich.
Players such as quarterback Zach Wilson and defensive studs like Quinnen Williams will need to excel under the guidance of Ulbrich. The change in coaching allows Wilson to grow even more under a different offensive system, emphasizing his strengths while limiting turnovers.
Looking Ahead
With the Jets now facing a difficult transition, there is still an important remainder of the schedule that includes division games and additional playoff contenders. The bottom line is this: The team needs to start not losing again, and soon because the fanbase can only be so patient. The Jets will enter 2022 with at least nine picks in the upcoming NFL draft, and Ulbrich — again assuming that he excels as an interim coach over the final season games of 2021 — could allow for New York to feel more comfortable taking a cautious approach when going forward to the next few seasons.
Ulbrich will now be under a microscope for the upcoming weeks as fans pay close attention to how he changes around his play-calling and fixes the issues that have plagued New York through its first two games. Can he inspire and motivate this team to turn around their horrific season, or will even more change be necessary?
The Quest For the Next New Head Coach
A Jets headline about the front office starting to think about a new head coach. Look for names such as former NFL coaches and coordinators to be floated, but the organization will want to find someone who can develop talent and bring a winning culture back to New York. Finding those answers will be front and center for the Jets in their quest to become relevant again within the NFL.
The New York Jets have pulled off the most jaw-dropping transaction of Week 17, firing Robert Saleh and elevating Jeff Ulbrich to interim head coach. Fans and analysts will surely have their eyes on the team as it tries to right the ship in 2023. For the Jets, it’s one of those moments in their season where everything can change: It could signal a resurgence or a further rebuild. It will be interesting to see the ramifications of this down the road.
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