Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will handle play-calling duties, though the process of building a scheme will include lots of collaboration.

The Atlanta Falcons have hired former New York Jets defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday night. The Falcons interviewed seven candidates for the job, but Ulbrich always was considered the favorite because of his relationship with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

The defense was heavily criticized by first-year Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris after the Falcons ended the season with back-to-back overtime losses (with a combined 74 points allowed). Morris was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over in Atlanta last January.

The Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers after an underwhelming season in Atlanta. The defense finished 23rd in points allowed and 23rd in total yards, while ranking 31st in total sacks last season.

They wouldn’t and they won’t, Ulbrich said Monday during his introductory news conference. He said both coaches are better since that coaching staff was swept out following Ulbrich’s tenure as interim defensive coordinator under interim head coach Morris in 2020.

Jeff Ulbrich expressed some regrets about the way he handled his 12-game stint as the New York Jets interim coach as he looked ahead on Monday to his new job as defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta Falcons newly hired defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich feels he learned several lessons in his 12-game stint as the New York Jets' interim head coach.

Jeff Ulbrich is making a return to Atlanta after four seasons with the New York Jets. Ulbrich’s hiring was announced on January 18th after leading the Jets as interim head coach in 12 games this past season.