NY Jets’ Jeff Ulbrich reportedly had interest in 49ers DC vacancy

Jeff Ulbrich reportedly considered making a lateral move to join the 49ers

Another member of the New York Jets coaching staff was potentially ready to depart this offseason.

According to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic, there was mutual interest between the 49ers and current Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to join San Francisco’s staff in the same capacity.

The 49ers targeted Jeff Ulbrich as DC and there was mutual interest in discussing a potential marriage, per sources, but the #Jets were never going to let him go.

Things I heard from the combine about Ulbrich, Bryce Huff, Saleh’s staff, free agency: https://t.co/SSKdTVeeDZ

— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) March 4, 2024

Ultimately, the Jets “made it clear that they were not going to let Ulbrich leave,” according to Rosenblatt. Unless it was for a promotion, the Jets had every right to block the 49ers from attempting to lure the talented coordinator to their staff.

Additionally, Rosenblatt said, “The Jets likely would’ve required draft compensation from the 49ers to let him go, though there’s no guarantee Ulbrich would have even ultimately wanted to leave.”

Ulbrich has prior ties to the 49ers, making his interest in the job make sense. He grew up in the Bay Area and spent his entire career with San Francisco, amassing 501 tackles at linebacker from 2000-2009. Ulbrich also coached alongside 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, as both coaches were on Atlanta’s staff from 2015-2016.

The rumor adds some potential insight into how the Jets’ situation is viewed around the league. New York has had multiple departures along the front office and coaching staff. They have struggled to upgrade their operation, specifically on the offensive side of the ball; Rosenblatt even said that despite Robert Saleh’s best efforts, adding another coach “may not come to fruition.”

Ultimately, the Jets seem to be viewed as a team on the verge of cleaning house. Candidates who could upgrade the team’s staff are opting to avoid stepping into a role without a certain future, while current staff members are looking for new opportunities.

The only way to right the ship is by winning football games. If the Jets can nail the offseason and turn in a successful season, the tide will start to turn from candidates avoiding the ship to candidates wanting to join the crew.

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