New York Jets' interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich faces a doubly daunting challenge of sorts.
While expected to jump start the underperforming offense, the promoted defensive coordinator must ensure that the NFL's second-ranked unit (255.8) continues operating at a high level. Ulbrich, who is in his third season leading the defense, will continue his defensive duties while adding head coaching responsibilities to his plate.
"From the defensive perspective, I will maintain the title of defensive coordinator and I will maintain the play calling duties," said Ulbrich at the podium in Florham Park.
Serving double duty in game days may be asking too much of a first-time head coach. Even the Buffalo Bills' head coach Sean McDermott, who is in his eighth season, delegated defensive coordinator duties to Bobby Babich after holding both roles for the 2023 campaign.
It may be especially challenging for Ulbrich to be all in on the defensive side of the ball while also trying to influence the offense and special teams as well as manage all in-game situations.
"I definitely want to have an influence there [on offense] as well, so I'm going to really look hard at this week and how I can find those places to infuse my personality into that side of the ball," said Ulbrich. "From a strategic or from a schematic standpoint, I don't know if there will be a ton of input, but as far as style of play, absolutely. The way this thing looks on Monday night, I'm hopeful that I can infuse that into them."
Starting cornerback Sauce Gardner, who has earned back-to-back All-Pro First Team honors under Ulbrich's watch, evaluated the interim head coach on his first official practice day.
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"He's not showing any signs of change in terms of acting different. He's still showing the love that he have for the game, the love that he have for the players," said Gardner. "I was telling him the way that you've taking this on, you inspire me."
Ulbrich seems up to the task at hand, and he appears to have the support of the locker room. One can't help, but worry, however, if the former NFL linebacker bit off more than he can chew. Those skeptics will find out, for better or worse, on October 14 when the Jets host a Monday Night Football matchup against the reigning four-time AFC East champion Bills.
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