{"id":687906,"date":"2026-01-19T04:24:28","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T04:24:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/687906\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T04:24:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T04:24:28","slug":"jeff-ulbrich-returning-as-defensive-coordinator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/687906\/","title":{"rendered":"Jeff Ulbrich returning as defensive coordinator"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated Jan. 18, 2026, 5:05 p.m. ET<\/p>\n

Now that the Atlanta Falcons<\/a> have hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach, the team can start filling out the rest of its coaching staff. A few names have already been linked to Atlanta, including offensive line coach Bill Callahan<\/a> and former Browns<\/a> offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.<\/p>\n

According to a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Falcons are keeping defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in place. Team owner Arthur Blank said he was impressed with the job Ulbrich did last season and despite leaving the decision up to Stefanski, it was clear Atlanta wanted to retain its defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n

“His staff is already coming together,” said Rapoport. “Jeff Ulbrich is going to stay on as defensive coordinator. Tommy Rees<\/a> likely to be OC. He was with [Stefanski] in Cleveland. And then Bill Callahan, sources tell the insiders, is likely to be the offensive line coach.”<\/p>\n

In 2025, the Falcons defense finished second in the NFL with 57 total sacks, setting a new franchise record in the process. While Atlanta was middle of the pack in terms of total points and yards allowed, the defense finished sixth in the league with 16 interceptions.<\/p>\n

Ulbrich also deserves credit for his work with rookies James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker and Xavier Watts. All three thrived this season, with Pearce and Watts making a legitimate case for the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award.<\/p>\n

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Pearce led all rookies with 10.5 sacks, while Watts led his draft class with five interceptions — which ranked second in the entire league in 2025.<\/p>\n

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