The Atlanta Falcons have hired Jeff Ulbrich to be their new play-caller for the defensive unit, marking an end to an extensive search for the role after the departure of former coordinator Jimmy Lake in January. Ulbrich returns to the team with which he spent four seasons as defensive coordinator from 2018-2022 before becoming interim head coach.
A former NFL linebacker, Ulbrich joined Dan Quinn’s staff in 2015 and worked alongside current Falcons head coach Raheem Morris for several years. Their close working relationship began when Ulbrich called plays for the early downs while Morris handled late-downs. The duo had a successful partnership, with Ulbrich endorsing Morris as a potential head coach just before the end of the 2020 season.
After parting ways with Quinn and eventually leaving the Falcons to join the New York Jets in 2018, Ulbrich spent four seasons as defensive coordinator. However, his time in New York was marked by inconsistent performance, including last-place finishes in points and yards allowed per game in 2021. The unit showed significant improvement under Ulbrich’s leadership, ranking fourth in both categories in 2022.
In the 2024 season, Ulbrich took over as interim head coach after Robert Saleh’s departure, relying heavily on Morris for support. Now, he will reunite with his old colleague to take charge of Atlanta’s defense, which ranked 23rd in total defense last year. As play-caller, Ulbrich aims to turn the unit into a more consistent and impactful group, building upon his previous experience working alongside Morris.
Source: https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-announce-jeff-ulbrich-as-next-defensive-coordinator