The Atlanta Falcons are turning to a familiar face to shore up their struggling defense. Head coach Raheem Morris has named Jeff Ulbrich as his new defensive coordinator for the 2025 season, replacing the recently fired Jimmy Lake.
Reuniting a Coaching Duo
Morris and Ulbrich have an extensive history together in Atlanta. The two coached on the same Falcons staff from 2015 to 2020 under then-head coach Dan Quinn. When Quinn was let go during the 2020 campaign, Morris took over as interim head coach and elevated Ulbrich to DC.
Now, Morris is bringing his trusted lieutenant back for a second stint leading the Falcons defense. The 47-year-old Ulbrich spent the past few seasons with the New York Jets, most recently serving as their interim head coach after the firing of Robert Saleh in October.
Fixing the Falcons Defense
Atlanta’s defense was a major weakness in 2024 under one-and-done coordinator Jimmy Lake. The unit ranked at or near the bottom of the league in several key metrics:
- Highest opposing QB completion % (69.9%)
- 2nd fewest sacks (31)
- 2nd lowest QB pressure rate (28.1%)
Ulbrich will be tasked with turning around this porous unit and generating more disruption. During his tenure as Jets DC from 2021-2023, Ulbrich’s defenses consistently ranked in the top five in EPA (expected points added).
Ulbrich’s Coaching Pedigree
Before transitioning to coaching, Jeff Ulbrich enjoyed a productive 10-year NFL career as a linebacker. He made the rare jump straight from playing to an assistant coaching gig with the Seattle Seahawks in 2010.
Ulbrich then made his way to Atlanta in 2015, coaching linebackers under Dan Quinn. He helped develop young defensive stars like Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun during his first Falcons stint.
Coach Ulbrich is one of the sharpest defensive minds I’ve been around. His ability to connect with players and put them in positions to succeed is second to none.
– Falcons HC Raheem Morris on Jeff Ulbrich
Expectations for 2025
With Ulbrich back in the fold, the Falcons are hoping for a major step forward defensively this coming season. The pressure will be on the new DC to quickly implement his scheme and get Atlanta’s young defenders playing up to their potential.
If Ulbrich can work his magic and transform this unit into a disruptive force, the Falcons could have the ingredients to emerge as a surprise contender in the NFC. The reunion of Morris and Ulbrich gives Atlanta proven leadership on the defensive side of the ball as they look to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
