Jan. 25, 2026, 12:23 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons are still assembling their coaching staff for the 2026 NFL season under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. While some key names, including defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, are set to return, others have already found jobs elsewhere.
Former Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was hired to the same position by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams took a job with the Washington Commanders. Plus, the team may soon lose another key assistant.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Tennessee Titans are eyeing Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
“The Titans have requested to interview Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for their defensive coordinator position, per source,” Fowler wrote on social media. “Rutenberg has a long history working with Robert Saleh, most recently coaching linebackers with the Jets.”
Rutenberg served as the linebackers coach for the New York Jets under Saleh and Ulbrich from 2021-2024. Prior to that, he spent one season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 and seven seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2013-2019).
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The Falcons are expected to retain most of their defensive coaching staff, so there’s a good chance Rutenberg will return if he doesn’t land the Titans defensive coordinator job. The team hired Tommy Rees as their new offensive coordinator and named Bill Callahan as the offensive line coach.
Atlanta has interviewed six candidates for its general manager vacancy, including former New York Jets GM Joe Douglas and Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham.
