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.
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