Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich addressed his team Tuesday afternoon for the first time since being promoted and communicated a message of unity.
"I did talk to the team and told them 'Let's lock arms'," Ulbrich said. "We need to go back to back, and it is us against everybody. With the talent that we have, I believe we have everything we need to be successful and have the season that we know we are capable of having.
"We have been underperforming for whatever reason and we are going to take a hard look at all of it. I am going to be me. I have tremendous love and respect for this team and this roster and this locker room and this group of coaches. And I really believe that if we lock arms and commit to the process then we will have success."
Ulbrich arrived at 1 Jets Drive on Tuesday and was informed late in the morning that he would be named Interim HC, replacing Robert Saleh. Rolling with the punches, Ulbrich said that in the coming days he plans to examine the team's entire process leading up to and including gameday, and assess the roles and responsibilities of all his players and staff.
"Today has been four hours of craziness," Ulbrich said. "Four hours ago, I was sitting and game planning for [for the Bills'] Josh Allen and what we need to get accomplished from a defensive perspective and four hours later I am doing a press conference as the new interim head coach of the New York Jets.
"There is a lot of information to process, and it is going to take me some time. I have to pull away from the defensive coordinator position and look at this thing from a global perspective and I am in the process of doing this now."
Through five games, Ulbrich's defensive unit ranks No. 5 in points allowed (17 per game), No. 2 in yards (255.8 per game) and No. 7 in first downs (16.8). Ulbrich's first game as acting head coach will be a primetime clash with the AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills on Monday night.
Despite his new role, Ulbrich, a 10-year NFL veteran (all with the 49ers) with 14 seasons coaching in college and the pros does not plan to change his approach to connecting with and teaching the players.
"I am going to be me," Ulbrich said. "I love this game. I have been a part of the NFL for over 20 years and all I know is how to be me. I would like to think that is someone who relates to the players. We will give an unwavering standard of play. I would like think that what you have seen from our defense is a reflection of that.
"We are not playing to our potential. We're not. We are too talented to be putting the product that we are putting out there on the field. We need to take a hard look at everything and be honest with ourselves."
