As expected, the Atlanta Falcons are retaining Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator in 2026. The move comes just two days after the team named Kevin Stefanski the 20th head coach in franchise history.

The Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator search is down a candidate after the Falcons retain Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator

With Kevin Stefanski’s hire, the team will indeed be keeping Ulbrich. per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. It ensures continuity on defense, allowing the team to build on their 2025 performance if they can enhance the roster, and will hopefully help the Falcons avoid the Ryan Nielsen-to-Jimmy Lake fiasco of 2023/2024.

The Atlanta Falcons' defense saw drastic improvement under Ulbrich last season, and that wasn't lost on anyone

The Washington Commanders must now remove Jeff Ulbrich from their list of defensive coordinator candidates. On January 19, the Atlanta Falcons confirmed they are retaining Ulbrich as defensive coordinator. Team owner Arthur Blank discussed the matter with atlantafalcons.com, stating:

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is expected to stay with the Falcons, while offensive line coach/run game coordinator Dwayne Ledford is expected to move on.

During the early portion of their search for a new defensive coordinator, the Dallas Cowboys were denied permission to speak with Jeff Ulbrich, who was still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Reports indicated Falcons owner Arthur Blank wanted to ...

The Cowboys' search for a new defensive coordinator continues, but will likely proceed without potential candidate Jeff Ulbrich.