Falcons Retain Jeff Ulbrich as Defensive Coordinator
The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant decision regarding their coaching lineup. They have retained Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator following the appointment of Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach. This decision aligns with suggestions made by Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who praised Ulbrich’s performance during the previous season.
Jeff Ulbrich’s Contract and Coaching Impact
Jeff Ulbrich has agreed to a new three-year contract with the Falcons. Under Ulbrich’s leadership, the Falcons’ defense showed remarkable improvement, particularly in their pass rush. The unit catapulted from the second-to-last position in the league in sacks in 2024 to an impressive second overall in 2025, achieving a franchise record with 57 sacks in total.
Key Defensive Achievements in 2025
- 57 total sacks, breaking the franchise’s single-season record.
- 14 different players recorded at least one sack, tying for the most in the NFL.
- Sixth in the league with 16 interceptions.
- Seventh in total takeaways with 23.
Many players thrived under Ulbrich’s system. Notably, rookie James Pearce Jr. led the team with 10.5 sacks. This figure marks the highest for a Falcons rookie since 2021. Pearce’s achievement is notable as he becomes part of a select group, with the Falcons being only the second team in NFL history to have two rookies achieve over ten sacks and five interceptions in a single season.
Standout Players and Contributions
- Josh Woods highlighted Ulbrich’s excellent coaching culture.
- Xavier Watts finished his first year with five interceptions and contributed significantly as a starter.
- A.J. Terrell excelled in coverage, forcing tough throws on 35.5% of targets against him.
- Kaden Elliss ranked second among linebackers with 30 pressures.
- Divine Deablo added versatility as a key free-agent signing and was a leading tackler.
Despite the noticeable progress made, Ulbrich acknowledges that further work is necessary. The foundation set in 2025 looks promising, with a young defensive core that is poised for further development. Under Ulbrich’s guidance, the Falcons are expected to refine their skills and elevate their performance in the upcoming seasons.
