When asked to describe Jeff Ulbrich, the Atlanta Falcons’ new defensive coordinator, safety Jessie Bates III repeatedly used terms related to Ulbrich’s past position: “Linebacker personality,” “Linebacker mentality,” and “Linebacker orientated.”
Ulbrich had a decade-long career as a linebacker after starring at the University of Hawaii. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2000 and played with them until his final season in 2009. During his NFL career, he appeared in 120 games, starting 75, and recorded 501 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a safety.
After retiring from playing, Ulbrich began coaching with the Seattle Seahawks as an assistant special teams coach for two seasons. He then spent three years coaching at the collegiate level before joining the Falcons as linebackers coach in 2015. Over six years in Atlanta, he also served as assistant head coach and interim defensive coordinator. From 2021 to 2024, Ulbrich was the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator and acted as interim head coach for part of his last season there.
Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss expressed excitement about having a former linebacker as his defensive coordinator for the first time. He noted that none of his previous coordinators shared this background. Elliss mentioned that when game-planning against other teams, defensive coordinators often place challenging responsibilities on linebackers if they come from different positions like defensive backs or linemen.
Elliss appreciates Ulbrich’s approach: “I can already tell Brich is going to look out for us.”
Ulbrich’s coaching style reflects traits common among successful NFL linebackers: attention to detail and being demanding. Head coach Raheem Morris added that Ulbrich coaches with intentionality and clarity.
Morris explained: “When he coaches…he speaks with a high level of clarity to the guys.”
This focused approach has led to productive offseason preparations ahead of training camp starting in late July.
Bates praised Ulbrich’s teaching methods: “The meetings are unbelievable…teaching our defense…to not just understand your job but get a whole understanding.”
Inside linebacker JD Bertrand noted how Ulbrich ensures players remain attentive during meetings by cold-calling individuals to check their focus.
Bates emphasized that these observations about Ulbrich draw from admiration rather than criticism: “That’s the type of linebacker that I would love to play with.”
