The Atlanta Falcons have announced that Jeff Ulbrich will remain in his position as defensive coordinator under newly hired head coach Kevin Stefanski. The decision marks a move toward continuity on the defensive side of the football as the organization enters a new era with Stefanski at the helm.
Ulbrich has been with the Falcons since being promoted to defensive coordinator, and his retention signals the team’s satisfaction with the direction of the defense. Over the course of the most recent seasons, the Falcons have shown improvement in several key defensive metrics, including total yards allowed and third-down efficiency. The front office and coaching staff appear committed to building on that progress.
Kevin Stefanski, who was named head coach of the Falcons earlier this month, comes from a successful tenure with the Cleveland Browns. Known for his offensive expertise and disciplined approach, Stefanski will now pair with the experienced Ulbrich to develop a balanced and competitive team on both sides of the ball. By keeping Ulbrich in place, Stefanski aims to bring stability and maintain the familiarity players have developed with the defensive scheme.
Players have spoken positively about Ulbrich’s leadership, particularly his clear communication and ability to connect with the locker room. His presence on the coaching staff is expected to provide continuity in game planning and player development for returning members of the defense.
As the Falcons prepare for the upcoming 2026 offseason and beyond, the pairing of Stefanski and Ulbrich highlights the organization’s intent to blend new ideas with existing strengths. With the coaching structure now coming into focus, the attention will shift to roster decisions and how the team plans to build through the draft and free agency.
The Falcons are aiming to return to playoff contention, and keeping Ulbrich onboard is seen as an important step toward achieving that goal. Further announcements regarding the complete coaching staff are expected in the coming weeks.
