In a notable move, Jeff Ulbrich will continue his role as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. This retention is a significant aspect of the coaching staff's formation, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on NFL GameDay Morning this past Sunday.
Rapoport also indicated that Tommy Rees, who served as Stefanski's offensive coordinator during their time together in Cleveland in 2025, is expected to join him in Atlanta, likely taking on the same offensive role. Additionally, Bill Callahan, who coached the Browns' offensive line from 2020 to 2023 before moving to Tennessee to work alongside his son, Brian, is anticipated to return to Stefanski’s coaching team, according to insights from Rapoport and NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo.
As the Falcons' coaching staff begins to take shape, the return of Ulbrich stands out as a crucial decision. Team owner Arthur Blank publicly expressed his support for Ulbrich during a January 8 news conference, suggesting him to the next head coach. However, he clarified that he did not want to impose any decisions regarding coordinator appointments.
Despite this, Stefanski's agreement to retain Ulbrich helps maintain a sense of continuity at the top of the organization, which bodes well for the potential growth of the team. Although the Falcons’ defense finished the previous season ranked a disappointing 19th in points allowed and 15th in yards given up, it boasts a wealth of talent, blending promising young players with seasoned veterans.
Under Ulbrich's guidance, the Falcons' pass rush saw substantial improvement, transforming from one of the least effective units in the league to a formidable force in just one season. The team had struggled significantly the year before, ranking 31st with only 31 sacks. In contrast, during the 2025 season, they surged to an impressive second in the NFL with 57 sacks. First-round rookie James Pearce Jr. led the charge with 10.5 sacks, followed closely by fellow first-round pick Jalon Walker with 5.5 and Brandon Dorlus contributing 8.5. Remarkably, all three players will still be 25 or younger in the upcoming season. On the secondary front, standout cornerback A.J. Terrell, safety Jessie Bates, and another emerging talent, Xavier Watts, further enhance a young and dynamic defensive lineup.
While there were certainly challenges and inconsistencies during Ulbrich's inaugural season as defensive coordinator, his unit proved to be one of the league's stronger defenses against the pass during the first half of the season, showcasing its potential in high-stakes games, particularly during victories over the Bills and Rams on Monday nights.
When properly utilized, Atlanta's gifted defensive roster has the ability to reach new heights. Ulbrich has demonstrated his capability to harness this talent effectively, and with his continued presence alongside Stefanski, they aim to build on the solid foundation that has already been established.
