Atlanta Falcons fill their defensive coordinator vacancy with a familiar face from the past

Ulbrich has spent the last four years as the New York Jets' defensive coordinator, and was their interim head coach for the final 12 games of the 2024 season. Prior to being with the Jets, Ulbrich spent six years with the Falcons as apart of Dan Quinn's staff, in roles such as defensive coordinator, assistant head coach and linebackers coach.

This is a "getting the band back together" move as current Falcons head coach Raheem Morris was also on Quinn's staff with Ulbrich. However, Atlanta did do an extensive search before deciding on Ulbrich, interviewing these seven candidates:

• Michigan Wolverines DC Wink Martindale
• New York Jets interim HC Jeff Ulbrich
• Veteran DC (free agent) Lou Anarumo
• Green Bay Packers defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley
• Pittsburgh Steelers secondary coach Grady Brown
• Veteran DC/HC (free agent) Steve Wilks
• Veteran DC/HC (free agent) Matt Eberflus

Following the conclusion of the regular season, the Falcons decided to move on from first-year defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake. Atlanta's defense allowed the highest quarterback completion percentage in the NFL at 69.9 percent and the second-most touchdown passes with 34. It also finished 31st in the league in sacks with just 31.

Ulbrich did a nice job during his tenure with the Jets and has always been well respected by his players. He had a 10-year career as a linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers before becoming a coach in 2010. Time will tell if he can get the Falcons' defense turned around, but he and Morris (who's background is also on defense) should be on the same page.