ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons welcomed new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and special teams coordinator Craig Auckerman on Wednesday afternoon, while also welcoming back defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
“I think very highly of these coordinators,” new head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “I’m very excited about the group we’re putting together as a whole — Tommy, Brich, Auck — I think it’s a really strong group that I’m excited for you guys to get to know.”
Rees, who served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2025, said he and Stefanski have different personalities but complement each other well. He added there was no hesitation in following Stefanski to Atlanta.
“When I left Alabama and went to Cleveland a couple years ago, I really did it to work for Kevin,” Rees said. “My opinion [of Stefanski] has only grown since that time. I’m not afraid to challenge Kev on certain things, and Kev’s not afraid to push back. I think for any healthy working relationship, you need to have that.”
Rees said he’s already spoken with several players, including quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and is looking forward to working with the offense.
“The talent speaks for itself, but the football character and the makeup of them is at such a high level,” Rees said. “That’s the exciting part for us as a staff — we get to work with guys who want to do it the right way.”
Ulbrich expressed appreciation for former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, describing the unique nature of the transition.
“It was something I’ve never been through, and talking to a lot of different coaches, a lot of coaches have never been through it as well,” Ulbrich said. “Typically, a staff gets fired, and that’s it. Everybody goes their own way.
“For them to hold onto my contract, first of all, I was blown away, and it was an honor.”
This will mark the first time Ulbrich and Stefanski work together.
“He’s one of those guys — a rare guy in this business — where you can’t find anyone who’s said something bad about this man,” Ulbrich said.
New special teams coordinator Craig Auckerman was also introduced and was asked about the Falcons’ kicking situation last season.
“Zane, I thought he did a really good job coming back in and kind of steadying everything down. I know it was interesting having a bunch of different kickers,” Auckerman said. “I dealt with a similar situation at Miami. My biggest thing that I look at in a kicker is I want a guy that’s confident.”
Stefanski said the coaching staff is very close to being finalized.
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