Buccaneers' NFC South Rival Atlanta Falcons Hire New Defensive Coordinator

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face off against a new Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator in Jeff Ulbrich.

Jan 5, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich during pregame warmups for their game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images | Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Falcons decided to make a defensive staff change this offseason by firing their defensive coordinator, and on Saturday, they found their man.

The Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake on January 11, and their search for a new defensive coordinator did not take long. Seven days later, ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported that the Falcons have hired their new defensive coordinator — and it's former New York Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, who served as defensive coordinator under Robert Saleh before he was fired.

The #Falcons are hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, per sources.

A former NFL linebacker, Ulbrich finished last season as the #Jets interim coach. Now he reunites with close friend Raheem Morris in Atlanta, where they worked together from 2015-20. pic.twitter.com/aw1BJexL6L
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2025

Ulbrich didn't call plays until Saleh was fired, much like he'll be calling plays for Falcons coach Raheem Morris. Under Ulbrich, the Jets were 20th in points per game (23.8) but No. 5 in yards per game (313.8). The Falcons were 23rd in points per game (24.9) and 23rd in yards per game (345.2).

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored 30 and then 26 points in two games against the Falcons, but both were losses. Now, they'll face off against a new coordinator in Atlanta in 2025.

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