Updated Feb. 11, 2026, 2:54 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons are holding a press conference for offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman.
Rees worked with Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland in 2024 and 2025. The former Browns offensive coordinator is expected to call plays for Atlanta in 2026. Aukerman was the special teams coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and the Tennessee Titans before that.
Meanwhile, Ulbrich returns as defensive coordinator looking to build off an impressive first season. The Falcons broke their franchise record for sacks in a season last year. Watch the full press conference, with live updates below.
Falcons introduce coordinators: Watch Live Below
“I thought he did a really good job coming back in, kind of steadying everything down,” said Aukerman. “I know it was a little interesting with having a bunch of different kickers in. I dealt with a similar situation at Miami.”
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Falcons STC Craig Aukerman on his approach
“Basically, my whole thing is we wanna teach these guys whatever we can to help our team win,” said Aukerman. “Whether it’s on offense, defense, or special teams. If you’re a four-core football player, a two-core football player, it doesn’t matter. We wanna have a role for you and we want to excel in it. So that’s my biggest thing. I wanna teach these guys. I wanna develop them and I want to inspire them to play as hard as they possibly can.”
Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich on James Pearce arrest
“I was obviously disappointed,” Ulbrich said of the James Pearce Jr. situation.
Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich on Matt Ryan
“Matt Ryan was the absolute right human being for that job,” Ulbrich on Falcons president of football Matt Ryan.
Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich on head coach Kevin Stefanski
“You can’t find anyone in this business who says something bad about this man. Not just the football coach,” said Ulbrich.
Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich on roster
“I’m just excited about polishing this up and getting it right,” said Ulbrich about Atlanta’s roster. “But polishing up the roster first.”
Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich on returning to Atlanta
“I just want to show my love and appreciation of Rah and Terry for bringing me back here last year,” said Ulbrich.
Falcons OC Tommy Rees on Michael Penix Jr.’s skill set
“Extreme arm talent would be the first thing, just from a film standpoint, that you see,” said Rees. “I mean all the throws, outside the numbers, down the field, can throw with anticipation and can throw with great accuracy. He’s a tough guy in the pocket, man. I mean, he will stand in there and deliver the ball down the field. Like any young player, there’s always going to be areas for improvement and growth, and that’s what we’re so excited to get to work with Michael on. But I mean there’s a lot to really, really like on the film. I’m excited and eager to get ready to build that with him.”
Falcons OC Tommy Rees on meeting Michael Penix Jr.
“Had a chance to meet him and what a great young man,” said Rees. “Overlapped with some guys that I coached in college over different points of my career and everyone has always spoken so highly of him. You meet him for two minutes and you can feel that right away. I think you’re looking at a young player that’s really hungry and eager to get back out there and it’s our job as coaches to put him in a position to have success.”
Falcons OC on benefits of taking snaps under center
“I think there are definite benefits to being under center,” said Rees. “That’s been a huge part of the identity of Kevin going back throughout his career. It’s been an identity as we’ve worked together. It’s something that we believe in.”
Falcons OC Tommy Rees on taking over
“The work has definitely already started,” said Rees. “I’m excited to put that product on the field.”
