The Falcons have a new head coach in place, and they are among the teams set to bring in a new offensive coordinator. A full housecleaning on the sidelines will not be taking place, though. 
Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is being retained, Atlanta announced on Monday. This news comes about thanks to a three-year contract agreement, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. Ulbrich arrived last offseason to take over the Falcons’ defense, and his success in that regard did not go unnoticed.
The Falcons blocked an attempt from the Cowboys to interview Ulbrich for their DC opening. That suggested retention was a strong possibility in his case. Indeed, when Kevin Stefanski was officially hired as the team’s new head coach, signs pointed further to Ulbrich remaining in place. Today’s confirmation thus comes as little surprise. According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Commanders were also interested in this case regarding their D-coordinator opening, but that is now a moot point.
Ulbrich was with the Falcons from 2015-20. During much of that span, he worked as the team’s linebackers coach; the 2020 campaign saw him take over interim D-coordinator duties. The following year, Ulbrich was hired by the Jets as their new defensive coordinator. The 48-year-old held that role for three years before becoming New York’s interim head coach in 2024 following Robert Saleh‘s firing.
Ulbrich returned to a familiar setting last offseason by taking on the Falcons’ DC gig. In 2025, Atlanta set a new franchise record with 57 sacks, good for second in the league. Pass rush production had been a major issue for years in the Falcons’ case, but a foundation in that regard led by first-round selections Jalon Walker and James Pearce is now in place. Ulbrich will look to continue overseeing their development while guiding a unit which also ranked in the top half of the NFL against the pass this season.
The offensive coordinator spot is likely to officially open soon, as Zac Robinson continues to weigh his options around the NFL and Stefanski prepares to arrange his staff. A number of new faces will no doubt be in place shortly, but Ulbrich will continue during his second Atlanta stint.
I love this move his defense is the best I’ve seen in years for ATL
Go back and look at the 2016 Falcons coaching staff. It has to be an all time staff. Quinn, Lafluers, McDaniel, Ulbrich, Morris, Shanahan, and a couple more i can’t remember….Glad they kept Ulbrich, should be even better next season.
Agreed 1,000%
I’m sure his son is ready for the draft.
Lol
I guarantee Stefanski and Ulbrich are going to have a good laugh about that comparing both sides of the coin of that experience.
He had them playing some really good defense this season, so this is a great move. I was actually hoping he was a potential option for the Raiders if they hire Kubiak. The Falcons have set themselves up nicely with their coaching staff decisions so far.
Stefanski should get along with his son very well
If someone loses a number, he’ll know where he can get it.
Smart move. I wonder if Stefanski keeps their O-line coach too.
Amazing save for the Falcons. I was worried he would take a HC position.
My belief is they might only have him for one more year, but I hope Arthur Blank opens up the wallet and way overpays for Ulbrich. The talent is there and though everyone keeps going on and on about the offensive playmakers, I would love to see them build defense first. Look at the four remaining teams in the playoffs, and for that matter, most of the playoff teams. They were almost all in the top half of the NFL in defense. The only two teams missing were the Chiefs and Vikings, and their offenses were so inept that even solid defenses couldn’t save them. Add a CB, off ball LB, and you have more than enough with the DL depth they have built over the last few drafts..
Ulbrich was never going to get a head coaching job. Went 3-9 as the Jets’ interim HC in 2024.
3-9 as an interim with the Jets is almost reaching the Super Bowl for many coaches. That whole organization is a dumpster fire.
There will be coordinators hired this offseason for the first time who have coodinator only resumes and with fewer ‘positives’. If not, there were bill a ton of retread HC’s re-hired that failed in less miserable ways that getting three wins with the Jets.
But yes, all jabs at the Jets aside, you are correct.
HC was extremely doubtful this offseason, but if the Falcons offense can sustain drives a little better in 2026, then I think the defense will be good enough to garner him some looks.
Cleveland’s defense was 4th. I don’t how you can overlook the team’s defense that will have the DPOY and rookie DPOY
I did miss them, but I think they would fall into the same boat of having a mostly inept offense. Fits my argument that most of the best defenses made the playoffs, with the exception of certain teams weighed down by a woful offensive EPA.
I wonder who they settle with for the OC.
Having Stefanski probably nullifies most of that variable, though. It’s going to be his system, so whomever is there is going to be really dependent on his schematic decisions.