Atlanta Falcons hiring former Nebraska assistant Barrett Ruud as inside LBs coach

The Atlanta Falcons have hired Barrett Ruud as their inside linebackers coach, the team announced Friday.

Ruud, the former NFL linebacker, last coached for Nebraska from 2018-22 under then head coach Scott Frost as its inside linebackers coach. From 2016-17, he held the title of quality control administrator at UCF, also under Frost. The 40-year-old now finds himself in Atlanta on newly hired head coach Raheem Morris’ staff.

Ruud played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-10, a time in which Morris served as an assistant on the Buccaneers’ staff and eventually as head coach. During his playing days, Ruud excelled at tackling, recording a career-high 143 in 2009. He finished his Nebraska career holding the school record with 432-career tackles.

New Falcons HC Raheem Morris making new additions to staff

Ruud is one of several new additions to the Falcons’ staff. Among them: offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, tight ends coach Kevin Kroger, assistant offensive line coach Nick Jones, pass game specialist Chandler Whitmer, receivers coach Ike Hilliard, defensive line coach Jay Rodgers and chief of staff, coaching operations Steve Scarnecchia.

Morris is succeeding Arthur Smith, whom Atlanta parted ways with following three consecutive 7-10 seasons.

“I am overjoyed for the opportunity for my family and I to return to Atlanta as the Falcons head coach,” Morris said in a statement. “We know from firsthand experience what a first-class organization Atlanta is and what this team means to its city and its fans. I am incredibly appreciative of Arthur Blank for his leadership and for this entire organization for putting its trust in me to help lead this team. I can’t thank the Rams organization enough for the experience and opportunity with the team.

“From the Kroenke family, Kevin Demoff, Les Snead, Sean McVay and the entire staff, the Rams are a first-class organization all around. We loved our time in L.A., loved the fans and know the Rams continue to have a very bright future.”