Jeff Ulbrich, a seasoned figure in the NFL, has been appointed as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, marking his return to the team after a notable tenure with the New York Jets. This decision follows Raheem Morris's recent stint with the Falcons, where he chose Ulbrich to strengthen the team's defensive strategies. Ulbrich, who played as a linebacker for ten seasons in the NFL, is expected to bring his extensive experience and tactical acumen to the Falcons.
Ulbrich's journey with the Falcons began in 2020 when he took on the role of defensive coordinator after Dan Quinn's departure. This opportunity arose under interim head coach Raheem Morris, with whom Ulbrich shares a long-standing professional relationship. Together, they were part of the Falcons' coaching staff from 2015 to 2020. Following Morris's appointment, Ulbrich stepped into the coordinator role and demonstrated his capabilities in leading the defensive unit.
His recent return comes after a period with the New York Jets, where he initially served as defensive coordinator starting in 2021. Ulbrich became interim head coach following Robert Saleh's departure on October 8. Despite the Jets' challenging season, which ended with a 3-9 record post-transition, Ulbrich's impact was evident. Under his leadership, the Jets' defense ranked among the top five in defensive EPA during 2022 and 2023.
Ulbrich replaces Jimmy Lake, whose tenure as defensive coordinator in Atlanta was marked by significant struggles. The Falcons faced challenges defensively in 2024, finishing with the highest opposing quarterback completion percentage (69.9) and ranked second-lowest in both sacks and quarterback pressure percentage (28.1). These statistics highlighted the need for a change in leadership and strategy on the defensive front.
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