Although the San Francisco 49ers did not interview Ulbrich for their current defensive coordinator vacancy, the team expressed interest in him during last year's search for the same position. At the time, Ulbrich was the New York Jets' defensive coordinator, and the Jets denied the 49ers permission to interview him since it would have been considered a lateral move.
The 49ers ultimately hired Nick Sorensen, who lasted just one season before being relieved of his duties.
Ulbrich later became the Jets' interim head coach following Robert Saleh's firing. Now, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers are reportedly interested in reuniting with Saleh as their defensive coordinator. However, the team is waiting to see how the coaching landscape develops and whether Saleh secures another head coaching opportunity.
This week, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reported that the 49ers are prepared to make Saleh a substantial offer to return to Santa Clara, where he served as defensive coordinator from 2017 to 2020.
"I've heard that they've already told Saleh, 'We will make you the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all the land if you sign with us,'" Barrows said. "And so now, it's just a matter of waiting for Saleh, and he's getting all sorts of head coaching attention."
Ulbrich, a California native, played linebacker for the 49ers from 2000 to 2009. He began coaching in 2010 as an assistant special teams coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks. From 2012 to 2014, he coached linebackers and special teams at UCLA before returning to the NFL as the Atlanta Falcons' linebackers coach in 2015.
In 2020, Ulbrich added assistant head coach and defensive coordinator to his responsibilities in Atlanta before joining Saleh's staff with the Jets as defensive coordinator.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers hire former Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to join John Lynch's staff
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch announced a notable front office addition on Tuesday while speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The 49ers have hired former Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as a personnel... -
49ers NFL Combine Watch: Defensive Linemen and Linebackers Risers and Fallers
The NFL Scouting Combine always reshapes draft boards, and this year's defensive line and linebacker workouts created clear movement among prospects. Athletic testing, positional drills, and movement efficiency helped several defenders elevate their stock, while others left... -
49ers meet with safety, defensive tackle, linebacker at NFL Combine
The San Francisco 49ers have already begun evaluating draft prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, meeting with several players as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft. Among those confirmed meetings are three defensive prospects at key positions: defensive... -
49ers mock draft roundup: Receiver or defensive line at No. 27?
The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week, and the San Francisco 49ers are zeroing in on several key needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. While CBS Sports recently identified wide receiver as the team's top priority, the defensive line remains firmly in the spotlight as...