Owner Arthur Blank had not mandated that the next head coach keep Ulbrich, but he did recommend it, praising Ulbrich’s work on the defense. Stefanski has opted to honor that suggestion and keep Ulbrich in place. 💬🤝
Atlanta’s defense has shown notable improvement. After ranking near the bottom in 2024, the Falcons posted a franchise record with 57 sacks in the latest season and rose to 15th in defensive EPA/play, behind only the Broncos in total sacks. The unit benefited from first-round edge players James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker. 🥇🔒
Ulbrich’s prior NFL tenure with the Jets included a stretch where the defense ranked in the top 10 in 2022 and 2023 under Saleh. He was elevated to interim head coach in 2024, but the team finished poorly down the stretch (3-9), and he later admitted regrets about not delegating more of the defensive play-calling. ⏪🧭
If Ulbrich can sustain elite defensive play, he could earn another head coaching opportunity, as he already drew interim head coach consideration and head coaching interview requests during his time with the Jets. The Falcons’ improved defense under his coordination keeps him in the mix as a potential future HC candidate. 🔥💪
