The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will remain on the coaching staff under newly appointed head coach Kevin Stefanski. This announcement came on Monday, just two days after Stefanski was named to replace Raheem Morris, who was dismissed following the Falcons’ disappointing 8-9 finish in the 2025 season.
The decision to retain Ulbrich carries the support of Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who indicated that while he would suggest keeping the defensive coordinator, it was ultimately up to the new head coach to make that choice. Ulbrich’s first season saw a notable improvement on the defensive front, particularly in the pass rush, which was bolstered by the performance of rookie first-round picks James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker, along with second-year player Brandon Dorlus.
Under Ulbrich’s leadership, the Falcons achieved a significant milestone, setting a team record with 57 sacks during the season. This marked a stark contrast to the previous year, where the team finished near the bottom of the league with just 31 sacks. Notably, Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks, the highest for a Falcons player since Vic Beasley achieved 15.5 sacks in 2016.
The 2025 draft class also contributed to the team’s defensive strength, featuring safety Xavier Watts, who made an impressive five interceptions. Additionally, safety Jessie Bates III was recognized as one of Atlanta’s four All-Pro players in 2025, further enhancing the team’s defensive reputation. Running back Bijan Robinson earned first-team recognition as a running back and second-team as an all-purpose player, while tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. and right guard Chris Lindstrom received second-team honors as well.
Stefanski’s decision to retain Ulbrich is the first significant move since his hiring on January 6, 2025. He is expected to recruit a new offensive coordinator and special teams coach as part of his restructuring efforts. New president of football operations Matt Ryan, a former Falcons quarterback, spearheaded the search for Stefanski and continues to seek a new general manager for the team.
Stefanski previously guided the Cleveland Browns for six seasons, earning accolades as the AP Coach of the Year twice. He concluded his tenure with a record of 45-56 and was dismissed after the Browns finished with a 5-12 record in the 2024 season.
As the Falcons look to build on their defensive success, the retention of Jeff Ulbrich signals a commitment to continuity in their defensive strategies while Stefanski implements his vision for the team’s future.
