After a thorough search, the Atlanta Falcons hired Jeff Ulbrich for their defensive coordinator vacancy on Saturday. Ulbrich returns to Atlanta where he spent six seasons as a linebackers coach (2015-2020) and one year as interim defensive coordinator in 2020.
The Falcons interviewed seven candidates, including Steve Wilks, Wink Martindale and Lou Anarumo, but chose to go with the familiar face. Head coach Raheem Morris worked closely with Ulbrich for six years in Atlanta so this reunion isn’t a total surprise.
Ulbrich spent the last four seasons as the New York Jets defensive coordinator (2021-2024), taking over as interim head coach following Robert Saleh’s firing in Week 6. Despite Ulbrich’s experience and familiarity, Falcons fans had mixed reactions to the hire.
Falcons fans react to Jeff Ulbrich hire
Falcons having Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich as interim coaches only to hire them both back to the same positions five years later is incredibly on brand. https://t.co/D7sliRVwSi
— kenny g. (@Gritz_Blitz) January 19, 2025
Atlanta had an opportunity to bring in an experienced defensive playcaller and shake up the coaching room–something I think was sorely needed.
Instead, it’s another coach with limited playcalling experience and extremely close ties to Morris.
Feels like bringing back Koetter.
— Kevin Knight (@FalcoholicKevin) January 19, 2025
Who is still on the team from the last time Ulbrich was at Flowery Branch? This is a different team – stop the group think. Also, saying he just got hired bc he was a friend like he wasn’t an actual DC in the league is lame too. Y’all act like he came from McDonald’s.
— Tish
(@tish________) January 19, 2025
This seems like a good time to remind everyone that Jeff Ulbrich was reported to be the driving force behind drafting Takk McKinley instead of TJ Watt https://t.co/fCyjeLjfSD
— Carlton (@CrispyCarlton) January 19, 2025
The Jets fired Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start with his defense ranked 6th in efficiency. From Week 6 onward the Jets defense ranked 30th under Jeff Ulbrich https://t.co/F8wICHzinj
— Payne (@PayneInsider) January 19, 2025
To me the only good that comes from bringing in Ulbrich is using the young talent to their strengths. Ruke should be a menace in an attacking front, using Dorlus as a 3T and putting Harrison back where he belongs at strong DE. If the scheme doesn’t change, Morris needs to dip
— Ev Glaze (@Everett_G07) January 19, 2025
Falcons go with the safe, comfortable and familiar pick in Jeff Ulbrich. They had an opportunity to bring in a fresh voice with a fresh set of eyes and no ties to the organization but instead took the path of least resistance.
— Chris Thomas – Turtle (@CThomasRadio) January 19, 2025
When Dan Quinn was fired and Raheem Morris named interim head coach, Jeff Ulbrich was promoted to DC. They were both fired.
Falcons just repeating the same mistakes. Over and over. #RiseUp
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) January 19, 2025
The #Falcons have just hired Jeff Ulbrich as their DC pic.twitter.com/ypoh0b3rTu
— Atlanta Falcons Australia
(@ATLFalconsAus) January 19, 2025
Same dudes right now trying to sell me on bringing back Jeff Ulbrich, be the same kind of dudes who tried to sell me on RM for HC and Kirk Cousins being great with the Falcons; they called me a hater because I said I knew better. Let’s see if Jeff will be right once again…
pic.twitter.com/oOsQ49Qprl
— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) January 19, 2025
What the stats say about Jeff Ulbrich’s time as Jets defensive coordinator — and why they’re likely the reason the Falcons hired him as their own.
MORE: https://t.co/hWEyaS45IC pic.twitter.com/gCnQ9yPLhZ
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) January 19, 2025
The Falcons still need to hire a new defensive line coach after firing Jay Rodgers along with defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. Check back for more updates on Ulbrich’s hiring and introductory press conference.