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.”

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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 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.

When the Falcons parted ways with Quinn during the 2020 season, Morris was promoted to interim head coach, and he appointed Ulbrich as interim defensive coordinator for the remainder of that campaign.

Together, they collaborated on defensive game plans, with Ulbrich handling early downs and Morris managing late downs.

In 2020, Ulbrich praised Morris, calling him one of the best candidates for the head coach role, citing his ability to relate to players and create a modern, player-friendly environment.

However, after the Falcons moved on from their coaching staff at the end of that season, Ulbrich moved on to the Jets, where he served as defensive coordinator under Saleh.

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.

Ulbrich’s stint as head coach was plagued by poor results, both on the field and in the locker room, with the Jets finishing 3-9 during his tenure.

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.

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