Falcons tab Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator

Field Level Media|published: Sat 18th January, 20:52 2025

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich during pregame warmups for their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Jeff Ulbrich is returning to the Atlanta Falcons as defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday night.

Ulbrich was the New York Jets' defensive coordinator over the past four seasons and served as interim head coach for the final 12 games of the 2024 season. The Jets went 3-9 during that span. He also continued serving as defensive coordinator.

Ulbrich, 47, has a lot of familiarity with the Falcons as he formerly spent six seasons (2015-20) with the franchise. He coached linebackers throughout his tenure but also was assistant head coach and interim defensive coordinator for part of the 2020 season after Dan Quinn was dismissed.

Current Falcons head coach Raheem Morris replaced Quinn on an interim basis. Morris also was on the staff with Ulbrich for the same six seasons.

Morris went 8-9 in 2024 in his first season as head coach. Jimmy Lake was the defensive coordinator, but he was fired after one season.

Ulbrich played 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2000-09 before moving into coaching.

Earlier Saturday, the Falcons completed a virtual interview with former Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus but later decided to hire Ulbrich.

--Field Level Media