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.
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.
On Thursday, January 15, Atlanta Falcons Legend Todd McClurejoined 92.9 The Game’s “The Morning Shift” with Beau Morgan,Mike Johnson and AliMac.
Johnson and McClure played on the offensive line together in Atlanta from 2011 and 2012. McClure also played with new President of Football, Matt Ryan, for 4 years, 2008 to 2012. Their teammates voted them both Offensive Captains at the end of the 2008 season. And now, both are in the Falcons Ring of Honor.
McClure’s first impression of just seeing Ryan, a kid out of Boston College, realizing McClure had been in the league, with the Falcons, for 8 years at this time. McClure thought, “He’s scrawny,” he can’t possibly hold up to the hits and the toll that the NFL takes on the body. But Ryan did, and McClure “loved that no matter how beat up or hit” he was during the game, usually because of O-Line mistakes, Ryan never made anyone feel like it was their fault, never made them feel inferior, “he was always encouraging.” McClure would see him in the training room after a game, Ryan barely moving. McClure would think that he wouldn’t play the next week, but Ryan always did. Ryan actually only missed a couple of games in his 13 years with the Falcons, playing and starting in 232 games, including regular and post season.
McClure told a story of 2008 training camp. Ryan had just been drafted and was in competition for the starting Quarterback job with Chris Redman. The QBs were rotated in and out. The Offensive Line was a tight group, Justin Blalock, Harvey Dahl, Sam Baker, and Tyson Claybo. They were cutting up in the huddle, had Running Back Michael Turner giggling about something. (If you know Turner, that wouldn’t be hard.) Ryan steps in as a rookie and says, “Shut the F… up.” Instantly they were all – ok, we got somebody right here. Then Ryan led the team to the playoffs, losing in Arizona. Johnson laughed that Ryan may not have jumped on anyone that first year in fear that “Harvey or Tyson might beat him up.” McClure agreed.
On the hiring of Ryan for the President of Football role, McClure said, “Could not ask for anybody better, with work effort, preparation wise, and the care for an organization to turn this around.”
The first that McClure, who lives in Lousiana, heard of the possibility of Ryan and this role, was from his father who lives in Atlanta. The elder McClure called his son and asked “Have you heard Matt might be coming back?” Mudduck said, “Man, this is special, he didn’t have to do this,” he seemed happy with the CBS job and certainly isn’t doing it for the money. Ryan is a true competior and loves the next challenge. He really wants to get this team turned around….unfinished business. Get that ring that evaded him in his playing career.
Morgan inquired about McClure’s opinion of the current O Line play. Looking at their play from a fan’s view, not diving in and watching film, McClure commented that (Matt)Bergeron and (Chris) Lindstrom are athletic, they really go. It is important to have a veteran on the line likeJake Matthews (who is currently on the team and played with Ryan from 2014 to 2021). Depending on the scheme the new coach runs, can make them even better. Just need to get Running Back Bijan Robinson to the line of scrimmage cleaner and let him do his thing. Overall, impressed with the group up front.
Asked what really qualifies Ryan for this PoF role, McClure said that he is just a born leader. The first time in the huddle he was not intimidated. He is not intimidated by any body and that will propel him. He is not afraid to talk to anyone in the room. He is not afraid to make decisions that may hurt feelings, which is going to be needd to turn this organization around. He’s going to have to make some unpopular decisions, for the right reasons. Ryan is not taking this job to climb a ladder, to move to a bigger and better role/team in the future. (Which we heard in the introductory presser ‘would only do this for this team.’) Ryan wants to make this team better.
Todd McClure and FalconAlley
As a personal note – having spoken to many former players in the past couple of years, they really get what it is like being a Falcon fan after they retire and are watching these games like the rest of us. See so much potentenial but not winning….or losing in the craziest ways.
Asked if he was chosing the next coach, McClure’s opinion (as a fan with no weight) noted that the Offensive Coordinator was actually more important that then Head Coach. (Jeff) Ulbrich, current Defensive Coordinator, has done a great job with lots of talent. Need to sign some Free Agents back, but “don’t touch that.” Need to find the OC that fits Bijan, he’s one of the best players in football. If the HC can bring in the right OC, he can be a dictator or not, but need the offensive mind to run this program right.
Johnson recounted some of his best memories with his O Line teammates. McClure has been raising bulls since his playing days, so the O Line sitting in the locker room together with “Sam, Blalock, Ramburg” trying to name some of the bulls. “Sam wanted to name one Scottie Flippin after Scottie Pippen.” Another suggestion was “High Five.” McClure laughingly recalled that in training camp “there were never 2 more miserable guys than Joe Hawley and Mike.” They looked like they wanted to go sell used cars, but game day, they came out and played. He recalled that this was one of the “funnest groups ever.”
It was great to hear teammates laugh and have some private jokes that we didn’t get. It is clear that everyone that knows Ryan thinks this is great for the organization and direction of the team.
Recapping the questions and responses from reporters and new Atlanta Falcons’ President of Football, Matt Ryan, CEO and President of Atlanta Falcons, Greg Beadles, and owner, Arthur Blank. Recap of the Introduction piece can be found at Introduction of the Ice Age.
Through the entire press conference, you could see the affection and respect between Blank, Ryan and Beadles. Shaking hands, compliments, smiles, glances. A comfort level, respect, and love. They all said similar things on “picking the right person,” “collaboration” and “accountable.” Everyone holding everyone accountable.
It seems the Head Coach and General Manager roles are going to be thoroughly vetted by Matt and the rest of the small committee, Beadles, Josh Blank and a couple of others.
These are not exact quotes, but overall recap of the questions and response. Most everyone started with a “congratulations” or “welcome back” as many of the press has been in place long before Ryan left Atlanta. Because of audio, was unable to hear the name of some of the questioners, others, I know their voices and captured their names below.
Q: Your football resume speaks for itself, but why are you the right choice for this job?
Matt: #1 When you look at organizations and places you would like to be involved with, the first thing is the ownership. Bill Cowher, former in studio teammate at CBS always said the 3 most important people in and organization is the owner, the owner and the owner. Know what Arthur and his family stands for, what their core values are.
Loved calling games the first year at CBS, then the studio show, the guys on the desk and everyone behind the scenes. But it is hard to replicate wins and losses and what goes into that and having a result every Sunday. I have missed that, so getting back into that gets me excited. Don’t have previous experience in this particular role, but nobody does until they are. Been around a first time Head Coach, position coach that has never called plays, but they adjust. I’ve done that my whole life. Football to TV, never been scared. My working relationship with coaches and General Managers was different than other players. As the quarterback for a long time, had meetings about the team and decisions or alterations to a plan or change in the season; just a different relationship/input than other players. Am well versed in those conversations. The longer I was here, the more discussions that were had, more my opinion was asked for my opinion. Hopefully that will help what I do now. I’ve been preparing, already talked to allot of people around the league – can clearly multitask, can talk to you and ignore that noise over there – Cal is talking up a storm, loudly on Sarah’s lap. Asked contacts that made similar work transitions; What does that look like? What were some of the struggles? Things you didn’t see coming? Have many helpful relationships with folks inside and outside of this building.
Q: You signed your contract and 2 hours later were interviewing, how does your interview style compare to others?
I can’t speak for how others do it. I know there are certain things that I look for as a player – character, emotional stability, level of presence, ability to command respect without being overly vocal. They would have to connect with players that you have. Interview from a view of what I had or wanted as a player.
Q: DLed (D Orlando Ledbetter) What are you looking for as far as a good fit and clarity of vision between the Head Coach and General Manager.
Been waiting on this one D Led. We are looking for 2 people that don’t see the game polar opposite, people that work well together. They should not be best friends, but able to have a strong working relationship. They can see things differently, but see how they get to common ground. Excellent in their role and what they are asked to do, but strong working relationship.
Q: Mark Zinno – What do you have the authority to do?
Matt: Arthur and I are clear on the structure. This is Arthur Blank’s football team. The task for me is to lead this process with the others on search team, we are going to collaborate and make a recommendation.
Arthur: Matt has no desire to do their job. The Head Coach will pick his position coaches. The General Manager will style out their organization, helping with draft and Free Agency. Matt will be involved in that, but isn’t doing their job. He is offering up his wisdom and guidance.
Q: Are the president candidates that were interviewed now candidates for the GM role?
Greg: We are looking to determine that. There are several people that we are interested in, working on a list right now.
Q: Arthur Blank believes in the collective decision process, who has the final decision?
Matt: Final decision – on what? The final decision that the Head Coach has, he will have, the final decision the GM should have, will have.
The final decision I am going to have to make right now with Arthur’s approval is who we hire. We are empowering them to do their jobs. As I’ve said in the interviews, I am not trying to call plays, not trying to run the offense. Not trying to pull a “Phillip Rivers,” and get back out there and play. Trying to get the right people in here, trying to support you as best I can. I know the pressure that a Head Coach and General Manager are under, all the different directions they are pulled in, so I am trying to take things off their plate, so they can do what they are supposed to do. Coach. Scout. I am not doing the scouting or running those meetings.
Arthur: Anybody in those positions are not going to want to compromise their job and be less of who they could/should be. Matt isn’t looking to overstep. He is going to hire the best Head Coach and General Manager and give the servant leadership that is provided through all our businesses. Our businesses are run like a pyramid. The Falcons’ pyramid, the top is the fans, I am at the bottom. Matt is to provide leadership, support, wisdom, guidance, enthusiasm. They are going to do their own job. We are holding people accountable….General Manager, coaches, players.
Q: When does something like this job come onto your radar? What does your job look like after these hirings?
Matt: I didn’t ever think about this. I was very happy with CBS and excited about that opportunity. This is the only place I would do this. I feel really connected to this organization.
Job after hiring process is Where can I support everyone? Depending on who we hire, how can I help? Everyone has different personality types, different strengths and weaknesses. If they are new, help with the relationships that I already have, show them how to grow relationships. The faster that everyone is on the same page, faster to be good on the field.
Q: Know you always prepared game plans when you played and prepared for your broadcasts, how did you get questions ready for this interviewing process?
Matt: Allot of prep, but have to adjust and adapt quickly. All of the others on the committee were incredibly helpful. Beadles with a printed format for me, then we adjust as we go. Good part is we are talking football, things I’ve spent my entire life doing, so I am very comfortable. At the end of the day, trying to find out what leadership you are trying to provide.
Joe Patrick: Can you tell us who you spoke to and what advice they gave?
Matt: Not sharing any names, but overarching former players. It’s tough when you are done. Sense of missing being around the team, locker room, competitiveness, the nature of being prepared and leaving it all on the line. They said it is different than playing, but does get your juices flowing. Team work is something bigger than yourself, zero agenda. Just wanting the best for this place is very valuable.
Q: Will you have input into the Quarterback situation?
Matt: I am not hired to be the quarterback coach. I love Mike (Michael Penix, Jr.), have gotten to know him the last couple of years. I am happy to help him however I can – anything he needs from me – not a coach. If asked and relationship with that department (QB room) is right, happy to help.
Want what is best for this organization and the players on the field. Working together for Mike and his rehab, but that is up to the trainers, rehab guys, doctors. I learned as a player – look at what is next in front of you and that is where Mike is now. He’s already here working out and rehabbing. He’s in a good mental space.
Q: Seems you are focused on the Head Coach job first?
Matt: It’s all in the timing. Really want a concurrent search, but because of the NFL rules on timing with coaches, we have interviewed those first. I am glad Greg is here – he tracks all the rules.
Greg: There are specific rules and timelines and even certain days you can talk to coaches, way more restrictive, so trying to get them when we can. So had to jump on the Head Coach when we could.
Arthur: It is important to land both at the same time because they need to be collaborative, vision and compatibility wise. Need to see the vision of football the same way, not always agree, but can work together successfully.
Q: You mentioned a sense of unfinished business….
Matt: It is all about helping us win and winning the right way with the right people. My role is different than it was before. I’ve always been a part of team sports, played different positions, played basketball, baseball. Sometimes you assist, sometimes you are a back-up. Been around it my entire life and love having different responsibilities. Nothing is better than being a part of the locker room after a win. Everyone in this building’s role is huge. Everyone.
It takes everyone to win. But we are here to win.
Arthur: We do a variety of things to be successful, connect with players, community, give back. Our role is to win football games.
Q: You mentioned on the CBS set on Sunday you want the them talking about the Falcons this time next year.
Matt: Yes, specifically Coach Cowher. I believe there is allot of young talented players on the defensive side of the ball. There are some solid offensive lineman here, some that I played with, which is crazy. A special running back in Bijan (Robinson), talented pieces on the outside. It takes everyone to come together and pulling their weight to win. I think there are allot of strong pieces.
Q: Greg, can you comment on time here?
Greg: This is my 31st season here. Began as an intern in 1995. Helped with the sell of the Falcons to Arthur Blank in 2001. Arthur is a builder and hasn’t stopped since then. Every single year has been different, learned business side, building of the stadium, helping Athur and everyone else build a sustainable thriving organization. Now, excited to help Matt however I can
Matt: Shout out to Greg who I have known since 2008. I always really liked him, seemed like a good guy, but now the relationship has changed. A ton of professional respect outside looking in. “This guy is an ass kicker – very good at what he does. His wisdom, level of detail. Very lucky to be partnering with him, to be sitting next to him. He is a fantastic human being. But an excellent of this organization and I love him. And appreciate the last 3 days.”
Q: Reporter from local CBS Station, Guess CBS Atlanta can’t run those promos anymore. What would 2026 Matt say to 2008 Matt Ryan?
Matt: Yeah, those promos were great. “Man – how lucky you are about to be starting this ride.” I would sign up for it again in a heartbeat, knowing everything. I got to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL and for the best team and owner in the league – “enjoy it and hey 20 years from now might be doing something different.”
Arthur: I love Greg and the family before and after I bought the team. He will be supporting Matt and the team.
Looking over at middle son, Josh Blank.
I would like to acknowledge Josh (middle son of Arthur Blank). He worked for the NFL for 5 years and comes to us with a tremendous amount of knowledge, wisdom of the league. Growth and maturity and perspective. Been great on the search committee.
Q: What are the most important qualities on head coach, considering the current trend is a young offensive mind?
Matt: We are looking for the best coach. Look down the road, Kirby Smart (head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs) is from the defensive side and he does pretty good. Who is the best person to get the most out of your football team? Seen it work lots of different ways. Coach Cowher is always telling me Defense still matters. Looking for the right person, one that connects with the players, can push, but is there for them in other ways too. Build a great staff, then you do it with the people around you. A team of coaches, team of scouts, team in the front office. Bring people together, players, building, staff.
Arthur: A common vision. Then, after it is laid out, hold people accountable – the Head Coach, General Manager and Matt. Be prepared to hold folks accountable. Train, move them around, hold fully accountable, if necessary, move on.
Q: Brandon Leak: What are your thoughts on the culture of Atlanta? And, what it was and should be with your power; Your comment about unfinished business – how gratifying to win the Superbowl?
Matt: I think it would be pretty gratifying – if you are in this business – that is the goal. The trick is how you get there. For the culture, that is what Arthur is talking about, the best is a shared vision for the group. Group when vision isn’t correct, you fix it and hold people accountable. Looking for a group of people (allot already here) just looking for a little bit more.
Culture of Energy, passion, people who love playing, who love football.
Arhtur: Head Coach to hold players and other coaches responsible. The Head Coach has to start by showing players that you are holding yourself and staff accountable.
We don’t use the word “power,” we use authority that doesn’t turn into power. It’s about how to communicate effectively and get the results we are looking for.
Q: The family is in front row, how important was it to come back here and be competitive and have them see Dad in this role?
Laughing at the boys
Matt: They are all laughing at me. Little boys see better than they hear, so you have to show them an example of what you want. Want to create a great example as a leader, a dad, a husband.
Q: For Arthur, how have you seen Greg grow year over year?
Arthur: Greg is always learning, listening, responding. He is heavily involved in the stadium, community, atmosphere in the building. Part of his success is measured in those efforts, but also, are we winning and doing the right thing to win? Couldn’t be prouder of Greg.
After Kirk Cousins lead the Atlanta Falcons to another 4-touchdown game and win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dave Archer of 92.9 The Game spoke to him in the locker room.
Asked about a near sack or possible scramble that turned into a pass to Bijan, Kirk commented that you “just have to be patient and drop the ball off sometimes.” Kirk was “really trying to not take the sack, so just give it to Bijan and most often, he will make something happen.”
Arch commented that this game was stressful with the back to back scoring and Tampa taking it to the last play. Kirk noted that it is stressful, but “fun to make big plays and have teammates make big plays.” He commented that the defense played really well too. Arch complimented Kirk on his game and reading the situations, noting two of the touchdowns that were not the first choices on the play. Kirk noted that Kyle’s first touchdown was the 4th progression and Bijan’s was his 5th. Kirk complimented the offensive line because he can’t get to 4th and 5th progressions without time.
Talking about the partnership with Darnell Mooney, Kirk said that they worked and talked about different angles that would work during practice that week. So when Kirk had a good pocket and Mooney had created that separation, Kirk knew it was time to throw it in that coverage for the touchdown.
Asked about bleeding the clock from 6:52 to 1:04 in the fourth quarter, Kirk replied, “the main focus is to bleed clock.” “You still needed to snap and play ball, gotta move the ball.” And noted that Charlie Woerner made a big play at the start of that drive, to get the offense down the field before starting several runs.
Overall about the team, “This team responds….it was tough coming back from last week, but we gotta pick ourselves back up off the mat, we are playing a good team, building from here.”
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