Atlanta Falcons' Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich Stays After Coach Kevin Stefanski Hire
In a move that suggests the Atlanta Falcons are committed to bolstering their defense, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been retained in his role. The decision comes just two days after the team announced its new head coach, Kevin Stefanski, who led the Cleveland Browns to back-to-back playoff appearances during his tenure.
Stefanski's arrival sets the tone for a more aggressive approach on defense, with the Falcons aiming to address their decade-long playoff drought. Despite finishing last season with an 8-9 record, Ulbrich's unit showed significant improvement in key categories, including interceptions, where they ranked sixth in the NFL with 16.
Ulbrich's coaching philosophy prioritizes player empowerment, as evident in his ability to get 16 sacks from James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. His situational success will complement Stefanski's scheme, which was heavily focused on offense during his time at Cleveland.
The two coaches have a complementary style, with Stefanski serving as an emotional stabilizer for the team and Ulbrich taking the lead on defense. This pairing suggests that the Falcons are committed to finding balance between their offense and defense.
Under Stefanski's leadership, the Browns enjoyed significant success, albeit short-lived, with two playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023. With Ulbrich on board, the Falcons will look to build upon the defensive momentum established last season.
In a move that suggests the Atlanta Falcons are committed to bolstering their defense, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has been retained in his role. The decision comes just two days after the team announced its new head coach, Kevin Stefanski, who led the Cleveland Browns to back-to-back playoff appearances during his tenure.
Stefanski's arrival sets the tone for a more aggressive approach on defense, with the Falcons aiming to address their decade-long playoff drought. Despite finishing last season with an 8-9 record, Ulbrich's unit showed significant improvement in key categories, including interceptions, where they ranked sixth in the NFL with 16.
Ulbrich's coaching philosophy prioritizes player empowerment, as evident in his ability to get 16 sacks from James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. His situational success will complement Stefanski's scheme, which was heavily focused on offense during his time at Cleveland.
The two coaches have a complementary style, with Stefanski serving as an emotional stabilizer for the team and Ulbrich taking the lead on defense. This pairing suggests that the Falcons are committed to finding balance between their offense and defense.
Under Stefanski's leadership, the Browns enjoyed significant success, albeit short-lived, with two playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023. With Ulbrich on board, the Falcons will look to build upon the defensive momentum established last season.