"In his first year of a second stint with the Falcons, Ulbrich guided the team's defense to a franchise-record 57 sacks. That total was the second-best in the NFL. Getting to the quarterback had been an issue in Atlanta for many years. Coming into the 2025 season, the Falcons had 30 fewer sacks than any other team in the league since 2019."
"This past season, first-year edge rusher James Pearce Jr. had 10.5 sacks, best among rookies, and rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker had 5.5 sacks. Rookie safety Xavier Watts had five interceptions. The young core on defense blossoming under Ulbrich was one of the main reasons why Blank wished to keep him on board. Ulbrich and Blank have also had a very good relationship for years. Ulbrich was first hired by the Falcons in 2015 by then-head coach Dan Quinn and ascended from linebackers coach to interim defensive coordinator."
Kevin Stefanski will retain Jeff Ulbrich as the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator under a new three-year contract. Ulbrich led the Falcons defense to a franchise-record 57 sacks, the second-best total in the NFL. The Falcons had previously struggled to generate a pass rush, entering 2025 with 30 fewer sacks than any other team since 2019. Rookies James Pearce Jr. (10.5 sacks) and Jalon Walker (5.5 sacks) and safety Xavier Watts (five interceptions) contributed to the turnaround. Owner Arthur Blank recommended retaining Ulbrich but did not require it. Ulbrich joined the Falcons in 2015 and rose from linebackers coach to interim defensive coordinator.
Read at ESPN.com
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