Tag: Jeff Ulbrich

The 2026 Atlanta Falcons Coaching Staff is Coming Together

January 20, 2026

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Jeff Ulbrich will be returning as the Defensive Coordinator. Ulbrich rejoined the Falcons as DC for the 2025 season. Previously, Brich was with the Falcons from 2015 – 2020 as Linebackers Coach, Assistant Head Coach and Interim DC. Ulbrich was the DC for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024, including becoming the interim Head Coach as Robert Saleh was fired mid-season 2024.

Ulbrich is 48 years old, originally from San Jose, California. He was a 2-year starter for Hawaii as a Linebacker. He was drafted in 2000 and played 9 years for San Francisco.

Under Ulbrich’s leadership in 2025, the Defense had 57 sacks, 2nd most in the NFL and an increase from the 31 sacks in 2024 and 42 in 2023. James Pearce, Jr. had 10.5 sacks with Brandon Dorlus with 8.5. There were 14 other players with sacks. The defense had 16 interceptions and 19 forced fumbles. One of two teams in NFL history to have a pair of rookies to record 10+ sacks (Pearce) and 5+ interceptions (Xavier Watts).

Ulbrich, “I want to make sure our guys understand what it means to play fast and with purpose. We’ve worked too hard to get where we are, and this group deserves to see that process continue.” Defenders seem pleased that Ulbrich will be returning, for stability, likeability, clear direction and improvement from 2024 and over the 2025 season.

Defensive accolades for the Falcons, so far, Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team, Watts and Pearce. Pro Football Writers of America All-NFC Team, Watts. AP All Pro – Second Team, Jessie Bates III. Rookie of the Month. Pearce.

Bill Callahan was named the Offensive Line Coach on Tuesday morning, replacing Dwayne Ledford. Ledford has been with the Falcons since 2021, as the Offensive Line Coach and in 2024, added Run Game Coordinator to his responsibilities.

Callahan is 69 years old and played Quarterback at Benedictine. He is originally from Chicago, Illinois.

Callahan was the Offensive Line Coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2023, coaching under Stefanski those years. Callahan left Cleveland to coach for the Tennessee Titans, where his son, Brian was Head Coach for the 2024 season and the first 6 games of the 2025, when he was fired. Bill Callahan was Head Coach of the Raiders during their last Super Bowl appearance in 2002. He is known around the league for being an Offensive Line Guru – one of the bets in the business. While several current lineman are sad to see Ledford go, as he did a good job, they are willing to accept the change.

Callahan has been coaching in the NFL since 1995, when he was an Offensive Line Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. He began with the Oakland Raiders in 1998 as the Offensive Coordinator, then moved up to Head Coach from 2002 – 2003. After coaching Nebraska for 3 years, Callahan returned to the NFL in 2008 for the New York Jets as Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach. Since then, he has mainly coached offensive lines for several teams. Callahan is known for his strong running game, including breaking team records in ground yards and sacks allowed, and sending multiple linemen to the Pro Bowl.

Stefanski, Stepping into the A

January 20, 2026

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Late Saturday evening, Kevin Stefanski was named the 20th Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Stefanski was fired at the end of the season from the Cleveland Browns after serving as the Head Coach for the last 5 years. He was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2023 for leading the Browns to 11 – 5 and 11 – 6 records. Their playoff berth in 2020 was the first for Cleveland since 2002.

Stefanski is 43 years old, and hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a Defensive Back for Penn, where he became the Assistant Director of Football Operations after graduation. Stefanski has been coaching in the NFL since 2006, starting with an Assistant to the Head Coach for Minnesota, moving to the Assistant Quarterback Coach, coaching Tight Ends, to Running Backs, to Quarterbacks, to Interim Offensive Coordinator to Offensive Coordinator in 2019. He survived 3 coaching changes in his tenure at Minnesota. He left to become the 2020 Head Coach of Cleveland.

Stefanski is a forward focusing coach and very offensive minded. He is known for maximizing talent, leading a punishing run game, by having a strong offensive line. Because of all of this, Stefanski was a top coaching candidate in 2020. He was a guiding force in leading Kirk Cousins (who is now with Atlanta) to having one of the best seasons of his career. Even with successful quarterbacks, Stefanski is known to hang his hat on the running game. The Browns were top 5 in rushing yards per game for 3 years. Also known for acquiring and developing talent. He successfully schemes to keep defenses on their toes. He has been an offensive guru his whole career.

Falcons seem to have prioritized experience over taking a chance on (currently) successful up and comers. This was the first second meeting the Falcons had with any candidates. This was live, a dinner with Owner, Arthur Blank, CEO and President of the Atlanta Falcons, Greg Beadles, Vice President, Executive Strategy of Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment, Josh Blank, and President of Football, Matt Ryan. Clearly Stefanski’s vision and plans for the Falcons is in alignment with Blank and Ryan’s visions. The introductory press conference will take place on the 27th of January, hopefully we will find out more at that time about plans and direction. Stefanski seems to be flexible and willing to accept input and adjust as needed through the season as things come up and change.

Stefanski knows that the people he puts around him are as important as he is. At this time, the Falcons have announced the retention of Jeff Ulbrich as the Defensive Coordinator and added Bill Callahan as the Offensive Line Coach.

I feel like the most important roles now are Quarterback Coach and General Manager. The QB coach either needs to get Michael Penix, Jr. healed up and performing better or prepare whoever the 2026 Falcons’ QB is. And the GM, work within the budget to fill spots opened by Free Agency….and of course, scouting out and preparing for the NFL Draft in April.