Jets fans can only laugh as Jeff Ulbrich is getting genuine head coaching buzz

The New York Jets might be in the middle of a brutal start following their 0-5 beginning to kick off the Aaron Glenn era, and things might turn out even worse for this franchise if much-maligned former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich gets some genuine buzz as a possible head coach candidate.

Ulbrich has since found gainful employment as the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons. Even as the team hits a rough patch as a whole, the new-look defense appears to have made so many strides in the right direction that they could be considered a legitimate NFC South contender.

One more strong season with Atlanta after his meltdown in New York, and Ulbrich could end up getting some love as a head coach in a truly stunning turn of events.

ESPN's Dan Graziano mentioned that if Ulbrich and Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo prove that their hot starts are sustainable, both of them could be seen as sleeper candidates to get a head coaching role in 2026.

Former Jets coach Jeff Ulbrich could get buzz as HC after Falcons stint

Ulbrich has done a solid job turning around the Falcons' once-lackluster defense this season, though a good deal of credit should go to GM Terry Fontenot for a seemingly franchise-changing draft that landed four potential long-term starters in first-round pass rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., nickel DB Billy Bowman, and safety Xavier Watts.

Even though Ulbrich was dealt a very hard hand in New York, it was clear that he was in over his head while overseeing everything. The lack of adjustments and inability to hold leads despite being led by Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams spoke to the type of incompetence fans saw when he was at the helm.

It would be truly ironic for Jets fans to watch two of the main architects of their dysfunction in the Rodgers era get head coaching jobs in the same cycle after leaving the Jets. In addition to Ulbrich, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (who just missed out on the Jacksonville Jaguars job) is seen as a top candidate in the 2026 offseason.

If the Jets replace Ulbrich with Glenn, only to continue losing while their old DC thrives elsewhere, that may be a sign that the only way forward for this team is burning it all down and salting the earth in Florham Park so nothing can ever grow again.