NFL
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Interim Coach Jeff Ulbrich Has Been FIRED By New York Jets With Immediate Effect As Exclusively Revealed.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Interim Coach Jeff Ulbrich Has Been FIRED By New York Jets With Immediate Effect.
The New York Jets have officially parted ways with interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich following a disheartening loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The Jets’ front office announced the decision early Monday morning, citing Ulbrich’s inability to stabilize a spiraling season and his failure to deliver results since stepping into the role.
The 28-14 defeat against the Colts on Sunday marked the Jets’ fourth consecutive loss, dropping their record to 3-8. Fans, players, and analysts alike had grown increasingly vocal about the lack of cohesion on both sides of the ball under Ulbrich’s leadership. Sunday’s performance was the final straw in a season filled with frustration and unmet expectations.
Ulbrich, initially hired as the Jets’ defensive coordinator, was elevated to interim head coach following Robert Saleh’s midseason departure due to personal reasons. However, his defensive expertise failed to translate to team-wide success. The defense, once expected to be the Jets’ backbone, has struggled mightily, giving up an average of 27 points per game over the last four weeks. The unit was repeatedly gashed by the Colts, allowing over 150 rushing yards and multiple big plays in crucial moments.
The loss highlighted glaring weaknesses, including poor tackling and a lack of adjustments—issues that have plagued the Jets throughout Ulbrich’s tenure. His inability to inspire urgency and accountability became evident as the team faltered in critical situations.
The offense has been equally underwhelming, unable to find rhythm or consistency. Quarterback Zach Wilson, now in his third year, has shown flashes of brilliance but continues to make costly mistakes. While Ulbrich’s focus was primarily on the defense, his overall game management and decision-making came under fire, with critics pointing to questionable play-calling and a lack of strategic vision.
Sunday’s game against the Colts showcased these shortcomings, with the Jets failing to convert on third downs and struggling in the red zone. Fans at MetLife Stadium made their displeasure known, booing the team off the field at halftime and again at the final whistle.
Jets owner Woody Johnson and general manager Joe Douglas were reportedly deeply dissatisfied with the team’s trajectory under Ulbrich. Sources close to the organization revealed that the front office had been evaluating Ulbrich’s performance closely and that the decision to dismiss him was made shortly after Sunday’s loss.
“This is a results-driven league,” Douglas said in a brief statement. “We appreciate Jeff’s efforts, but it became clear that a change was necessary to give this team a chance to compete moving forward.”
The Jets have appointed assistant coach Ron Middleton as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Middleton, known for his fiery personality and ability to connect with players, will face the daunting task of rallying a demoralized locker room.
For Ulbrich, this marks a bitter end to a tumultuous stint with the Jets. While he was respected for his defensive knowledge, his time as interim head coach will be remembered for the team’s lack of progress and inability to rise to the occasion.
With five games remaining, the Jets now face an uphill battle to salvage their season and begin building for the future. For a franchise starved of success, the hope is that this change marks the first step in a long-overdue turnaround.
