The Atlanta Falcons have hired a new defensive coordinator. Per NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, "The #Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, per sources."
A former NFL linebacker, Ulbrich finished last season as the #Jets interim coach. Now he reunites with close friend Raheem Morris in Atlanta, where they worked together from 2015-20.
Official Statement from the Falcons
The Falcons released an official statement regarding Jeff Ulbrich as their new defensive coordinator, following a comprehensive search after Jimmy Lake's departure on January 11.
Ulbrich's Background
Ulbrich returns to Atlanta after spending the past four seasons with the New York Jets, where he served as defensive coordinator and briefly as interim head coach in 2024 after Robert Saleh was dismissed midseason.
Ulbrich has deep roots in Atlanta, having spent five years on the Falcons' coaching staff from 2015 to 2019. Initially brought in as the linebackers coach under head coach Dan Quinn, he worked closely with Raheem Morris, who joined the Falcons in 2015 as the defensive coordinator.
Challenges Ahead for Ulbrich
Now back with the Falcons, Ulbrich faces the challenge of turning around a defense that ranked 23rd in the league in 2024, in both total defense and points allowed. While the Falcons' offense showed promise, the defense struggled to keep pace, contributing to the team's failure to make the postseason.
Ulbrich's Previous Coaching Experience
His first two seasons with the Jets were a mix of struggles and progress. In 2021, Ulbrich's defense ranked dead last in both points and yards allowed. But by 2022, the Jets' defense had turned things around, ranking among the league's best, sitting fourth in both points and yards allowed, and second in defensive expected points added.
However, Ulbrich's time with the Jets took a hit in 2024 when he became interim head coach. After Saleh's firing, the defense, which had ranked sixth in EPA per play in the first five weeks, fell dramatically, ranking 30th for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Jeff Ulbrich's return to the Atlanta Falcons as their new defensive coordinator brings a mix of excitement and challenges as he looks to reshape the team's defense and lead them to success in the upcoming seasons.
