Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will handle play-calling duties, though the process of building a scheme will include lots of collaboration.

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich to be their next defensive coordinator. Ulbrich was previously the defensive coordinator for the New York Jets and took over as the interim head coach this season after Robert Saleh was fired.

The Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers after an underwhelming season in Atlanta. The defense finished 23rd in points allowed and 23rd in total yards, while ranking 31st in total sacks last season.

Ulbrich was New York’s defensive coordinator before serving as interim head coach after Robert Saleh’s firing during the 2024 season. Atlanta hired Ulbrich to replace Jimmy Lake, who was fired after one season under head coach Raheem Morris.

The defense was heavily criticized by first-year Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris after the Falcons ended the season with back-to-back overtime losses (with a combined 74 points allowed). Morris was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over in Atlanta last January.

The Atlanta Falcons have hired former New York Jets defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday night. The Falcons interviewed seven candidates for the job, but Ulbrich always was considered the favorite because of his relationship with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

The Falcons' defensive struggles resulted in another non-playoff season, which is somehing Ulbrich hopes to correct.

With Jeff Ulbrich in town as the new Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator and new hires on board with Nate Ollie and Mike Rutenberg, it’s natural to wonder who they might add. While past connections don’t always translate to signings,