Jeff Ulbrich is new Jets coach after shocking Robert Saleh

The Jets’ defense was the strongest unit of Robert Saleh’s tenure.

And here the franchise is dealing with Saleh’s impressive firing after just five games on Tuesday.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is taking over as the Jets’ interim head coach and will remain in that role for the remainder of the season, the Jets announced in a statement through team owner Woody Johnson.

“He is a tough coach who has the respect of the coaches and players on this team,” Johnson said in the statement. “I believe that he, together with the coaches on this team, can bring out the best in our talented team and achieve the goal we set for ourselves this offseason.”

Ulbrich joined the Jets in 2021 when Saleh took over as the team’s head coach after previously serving as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.

Despite a 20-36 record under Saleh’s rule, he has led strong units.

The Jets finished last in the NFL in yards allowed per game in the pair’s first season in 2021, but bounced back to finish fourth and third in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Gang Green is second in rushing this season, allowing just 255.8 yards per game. The Jets also rank seventh, allowing just 17 points per game.

The 47-year-old Ulbrich brings playing experience to the role, which is always well received in the locker room.

He played 10 seasons in the NFL for the 49ers from 2000 to 2009 after being selected in the third round by San Francisco out of Hawaii.

Ulbrich played in 120 career games with 75 starts and recorded 5 1/2 sacks.

His first game as head coach will be a prime-time “Monday Night Football” showdown against the Bills at MetLife Stadium, with first place in the AFC East up for grabs.

The Jets (2-3) are just one game out of first place in the division despite two losses to the Vikings and Broncos.

Ulbrich’s defense allowed just 10 points in the Week 4 setback against the Browns and just 16 points against the Vikings (Aaron Rodgers threw a pick-six).