Reasons for employing Jets DC It seems logical that Jeff Ulbrich will be the 49ers’ new DC.
According to a report from Tim Kawakami of The Athletic, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to name their new defensive coordinator shortly, which might remove their largest obstacle before NFL Combine week.
There are rumors that the 49ers are pursuing a DC. It’s unclear when an announcement will be made, but it might happen soon.
— February 20, 2024, Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami).
The 49ers have not disclosed any official interviews as part of their process, but given their relationship with head coach Kyle Shanahan and experience with the defensive scheme, there are a few plausible choices that may make sense.
Jeff Ulbrich, the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets since the 2021 campaign, is one of the choices.
Ulbrich’s history
After Robert Saleh was appointed head coach of the team in 2021, Ulbrich became a member of the New York Jets staff in 2021 as the defensive coordinator.
Although Ulbrich has been a coordinator for a number of seasons, and while Saleh has been recognized for his defensive work, head coach Kyle Shanahan may be lusting after Ulbrich for his next addition.
Ulbrich played for the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons before leaving to join New York. He began as the team’s linebackers coach in 2015 and remained in that position through the 2019 campaign.
Ulbrich received a promotion in 2020 when Raheem Morris was named the interim head coach when head coach Dan Quinn was fired midway through the season. Ulbrich also carried the title of assistant head coach with him.
Ulbrich and Falcons head coach Kyle Shanahan worked together from 2015 to 2016, during which time the latter served as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator.
Ulbrich has a lengthy past because he played in the NFL for the 49ers from 2000 to 2009.
After retiring, he started working as a special assistant for the Seattle Seahawks under Pete Carroll from 2010 to 2011, and then from 2012 to 2013, he coached linebackers and special teams at the collegiate level.
Ulbrich held the position of defensive coordinator under head coach Jim Mora in 2014 after being promoted to assistant head coach at UCLA.
Ulbrich’s posture
Having worked with Robert Saleh, Pete Carroll, and Dan Quinn, Ulbrich has a wealth of knowledge with coaches that specialize in particular aspects of the plan that San Francisco wishes to implement.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan needs to get this hire right because he brought in a guy from outside the building last season who lacked the necessary experience in San Francisco’s scheme. Therefore, familiarity with the players and the system will be crucial.
Hiring Ulbrich would also imply going back to emphasizing the front seven, since Saleh was the 49ers’ defensive line coach before he became a coordinator and DeMeco Ryans was their linebackers coach.
Ulbrich has coached linebackers in both the NFL and college divisions, giving him a wealth of expertise in the role.
His background working with Kyle Shanahan further solidifies his suitability as San Francisco’s new defensive coordinator.
Although Ulbrich isn’t a perfect fit, San Francisco may choose to make this move given that several other excellent candidates have already committed to their existing positions.
