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Marc Raimondi
The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that new head coach Kevin Stefanski will retain defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, as announced on Monday.
A source informed ESPN that the Falcons have reached a new three-year deal with Ulbrich, corroborating an earlier report by NFL Network.
During a press conference two weeks prior, Falcons owner Arthur Blank stated he would suggest—though not mandate—that the incoming head coach keep Ulbrich. Stefanski’s appointment as head coach was declared on Saturday evening.
In his first year of a second term with the Falcons, Ulbrich led the defense to a franchise-high 57 sacks, ranking as the second-best in the NFL. Atlanta has struggled to pressure quarterbacks for many years, recording 30 fewer sacks than any other team since 2019 as of the start of the 2025 season.
This past season, first-year edge rusher James Pearce Jr. achieved 10.5 sacks, leading all rookies, while fellow rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker contributed 5.5 sacks. Rookie safety Xavier Watts recorded five interceptions.
The impressive development of the young defensive core under Ulbrich was a significant factor in Blank’s decision to retain him. Ulbrich has maintained a strong relationship with Blank over the years. He was initially brought on by former head coach Dan Quinn in 2015 and progressed from linebackers coach to interim defensive coordinator. Ulbrich was part of the Falcons coaching staff that reached the Super Bowl after the 2016 season.
Ulbrich departed the Falcons in 2021 to become the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets. When Raheem Morris was hired as head coach of the Falcons in 2024, he re-signed Ulbrich in 2025 following Jimmy Lake’s dismissal. Morris himself was let go after two consecutive 8-9 seasons.
The Falcons have not participated in the playoffs nor achieved a winning record for eight years.
