Jets Interim HC Jeff Ulbrich Reveals Message to Team: 'It's Us Against Everybody'

New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich gave a message to his team Tuesday after the firing of head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, and he shared those words with reporters during his press conference.

"I did get an opportunity earlier today. The message was, 'It's time to lock arms,'" Ulbrich said when asked if he got a chance to speak with the team.

"We go back-to-back, and it's us against everybody, and with the talent that we have in that room, in my opinion, we have everything we need to be successful and have the season that we know we're capable of having.

"And at the same time, shared my love, regard and respect for Robert. And at the same time, a day like this, there's a moment of...there's some sadness and frustration because ultimately his firing is on all of our hands, so we've got to do a better job. We do it collectively.

Ulbrich also had a message for Jets fans as well:

The Jets fired Saleh Tuesday after a 2-3 start, ending his three-plus years with the team following a 20-36 record. Ulbrich, who served as the team's defensive coordinator under Saleh and played linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers from 2000-2009, now takes over.

The Jets certainly have their backs against the wall right now.

New York has missed the playoffs for 13 straight years but entered this season with optimism as quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to the mix after missing all but a few plays last year due to a torn Achilles suffered in the 2023 season opener.

Rodgers, a four-time MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler, was seen as the missing piece for a Jets team that had a top-five defense in place and offensive skill position players to build around in running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

But this year has not gone according to plan. A 2-1 start brought some optimism, but an ugly 10-9 home loss to the Denver Broncos, who accounted for just 80 passing yards, wiped that away.

And then the Jets dug too big a hole against the Minnesota Vikings in London last Sunday, losing 23-17 as Rodgers threw three interceptions (including one for a touchdown).

Two days later, Saleh was out, and Ulbrich was in, tasked with overseeing a team that has the talent to have a winning, playoff-bound season but hasn't looked the part so far.

We'll soon find out if things change under a new regime.

Ulbrich will make his head coaching debut Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET with a home game against the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills, who are 3-2 but coming off a pair of tough losses to the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans.