What Difference Will Jeff Ulbrich Bring To Jets?

Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich may be similar coaches in that they command the respect of their players from the minute they walk into the building, but there are some significant differences between the two.

For the New York Jets, they are hoping those differences can not only turn around the team in 2024 but save their season after a mediocre 2-3 start.

For starters, Ulbrich is a former NFL player. Saleh never played in the NFL instead getting his experience through internships on teams dating back to 2005.

Ulbrich on the other hand, was a tough-nosed player and linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers. Now, he finally gets a chance to lead the Jets to their first playoff appearance in 13 seasons.

Even if it means coaching in the shadows of his former boss.

"I'm gonna be me. I love this game. I've been part of the NFL for over 20 years now as a player & a coach. All I know is how to be me, & I'd like to say that that's someone that relates to the players," Ulbrich explained Tuesday. "I think playing has helped me do that at times. An unwavering standard of play. I'd like to think that what you've seen on our defense is a reflection of all of that, so I'm just gonna be me every day, & bring a level of authenticity & my energy & my toughness & my grit & my experience in this league, & from that standpoint I'm very excited about connecting with this locker room & elevating everybody."

Related: Jets' Jeff Ulbrich 'Heavy In Heart' For Coach Move

Accountability for his coaches and players will be something Ulbrich needs to prove right away, but he appears off to a good start.

Of course the only way to really determine that is if they can win on Monday Night against the Buffalo Bills.