The Atlanta Falcons have confirmed the retention of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, extending his contract for three more years under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. The announcement, made on Monday, follows a report by NFL Network and a source’s confirmation to ESPN.
During a news conference two weeks ago, Falcons owner Arthur Blank indicated he would recommend retaining Ulbrich, emphasizing the importance of continuity within the coaching staff. The team officially introduced Stefanski as their head coach on Saturday evening.
In his first year of a second stint with the Falcons, Ulbrich significantly improved the defense, leading the team to a franchise-record 57 sacks, which ranked second in the NFL. Prior to this season, Atlanta struggled with pass rush, accumulating 30 fewer sacks than any other team over a six-year period leading up to the 2025 season.
Rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. emerged as a standout, recording 10.5 sacks, the highest among first-year players. Another rookie, Jalon Walker, contributed 5.5 sacks, while rookie safety Xavier Watts notched five interceptions. The development of these young talents played a crucial role in Blank’s desire to retain Ulbrich.
Ulbrich has a longstanding relationship with Blank, having been initially hired by former head coach Dan Quinn in 2015. He rose through the ranks from linebackers coach to interim defensive coordinator, contributing to the team that reached the Super Bowl in the 2016 season. After departing for the New York Jets in 2021, he served as their defensive coordinator and briefly as interim head coach in 2024 following the dismissal of Robert Saleh.
He returned to the Falcons in 2025 under head coach Raheem Morris, who was later let go after two consecutive 8-9 seasons. The Falcons have not qualified for the playoffs or recorded a winning season in the last eight years, highlighting the urgency for improvement within the franchise.
As the team looks to turn the page under Stefanski, the retention of Ulbrich signifies confidence in the defense’s trajectory and the potential for a renewed competitive spirit in Atlanta.
