Jets star lists qualities that make Jeff Ulbrich the man to take team forward

The New York Jets have handed the reins to Jeff Ulbrich after Robert Saleh’s dismissal.

Aaron Rodgers‘ offense was torn apart by the Minnesota Vikings in London, leading to changes at the top.

Saleh was fired, with popular defensive coordinator Ulbrich taking over as interim head coach.

The former San Francisco 49ers linebacker has worked his way through the ranks as a coach since his nine-year NFL career ended in 2009.

He now has his first shot in the hot seat, with a Monday Night Football showdown against the Buffalo Bills a baptism of fire in Week 6.

talkSPORT spoke to Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood ahead of their London game and he spoke glowingly about the man they call Brick.

“He’s played football at the highest level for a while,” Sherwood told our End Zone YouTube channel.

“His connections with all the players, and that’s it for every one of our coaches, but Brick, he has a relationship with each of the guys on the defense. 

“When we all get around him, or any one of our coaches, we all feel comfortable and that’s the main thing.

“Your players have to feel like you’re your their mom and dad or whatever the case may be.

“Because everybody’s always hesitant, ‘Oh, do I do this? Do I do this. Am I gonna make a mistake?’ 

“Our coaches – obviously they don’t want you to make mistakes – but when you do, it’s all about getting it right the next day.

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“They do a great job of coaching us, getting us ready, preparing us,  schemes and all that.”

Ulbrich’s defense has given up just 85 points in five games this season.

Reports have suggested that Saleh was preparing to axe offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett before Jets owner Woody Johnson appeared his his office to break the bad news.

Ulbrich had been touted as a future head coach for some time and Sherwood revealed why he would suit the role days before he landed the job.

“He will be a great one because he’s been a great defensive coordinator to us,” the 24-year-old former defensive back added.

“I’m happy to have him as my defensive coordinator for these past four years.

“He believed in me. When I came into the league, I was super small, I wasn’t a linebacker.

“He helped me, gave me tips, as well as everybody else, on how to become a better player. I appreciated that.

“All around, he’s just a good person.”

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You can watch Jamien’s full interview below.