The Atlanta Falcons are welcoming back a familiar face to spearhead their defensive turnaround. Jeff Ulbrich, fresh off a stint as the New York Jets interim head coach, has been hired as the Falcons’ new Defensive Coordinator. Ulbrich previously coached in Atlanta from 2015-2020 before joining the Jets, but returns now with a renewed perspective and innovative approach to revitalizing the Falcons’ lackluster defense.
A Homecoming with a Mission
For Ulbrich, returning to Atlanta feels like coming home. He has a close relationship with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and many ties to the organization. But this is no sentimental reunion – Ulbrich is on a mission to completely overhaul the Falcons defense and create a unit capable of thriving in the modern NFL.
While Ulbrich’s core principles remain the same, he acknowledges his “football brain” has evolved significantly since his initial Falcons tenure. No longer content with static schemes, Ulbrich envisions a defense with immense variety, multiplicity, and adaptability.
Unlocking the Defense’s “Super Powers”
Ulbrich’s top priority will be igniting the Falcons’ virtually nonexistent pass rush. In 2024, Atlanta ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks and QB pressure rate. Ulbrich plans to unleash the untapped potential of the Falcons’ defensive stars.
“You can’t thrive in this league from a defensive perspective without a good pass rush.”
– Jeff Ulbrich
Rather than conforming players to a rigid system, Ulbrich wants to build around their unique skill sets. His goal is to create roles that amplify each individual’s “super powers” – even if that means doing things that have never been done before.
Lessons Learned from Jets Tenure
Ulbrich’s time as the Jets interim head coach, though brief, imparted valuable lessons he plans to apply in Atlanta. Chief among them – the importance of delegating and truth-telling in leadership positions.
- Delegating duties: Ulbrich regrets not relinquishing his defensive coordinator role while serving as interim HC. In Atlanta, he’ll focus solely on the defense.
- Delivering hard truths: Ulbrich noticed how people’s communication changed when he became head coach. He vows to always give Coach Morris the unfiltered truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.
The Road Ahead
Transforming the Falcons defense won’t happen overnight. Ulbrich and his staff, which includes respected coaches like Jerry Gray and Mike Rutenberg, will spend the coming weeks dissecting the roster and tailoring their 2025 scheme.
The Falcons have nowhere to go but up after missing the playoffs for a 7th straight season. With Ulbrich’s creative vision and the freedom to innovate, the pieces may finally be in place for a defensive resurgence in Atlanta. The road ahead is challenging, but Ulbrich is determined to reenergize this unit and prove the doubters wrong.
