Falcons Overhaul Continues as Ulbrich Remains Untouchable

The Atlanta Falcons are in the midst of a complete organizational overhaul after missing the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. Owner Arthur Blank vowed sweeping changes, beginning with the firing of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, signaling a commitment to reset the team’s direction from the ground up.

Despite finishing the season strong with four straight wins and an 8–9 record, Atlanta’s late surge was not enough to preserve Morris’ job. The Falcons’ leadership emphasized that the rebuild requires fresh perspectives and structural changes at the top.

Amid the transition, the coaching staff is also in flux. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, however, has emerged as a cornerstone the Falcons are determined to retain, even as other personnel are shuffled or replaced. Ulbrich’s position underscores the balance Atlanta is trying to strike between continuity and renewal.

With new leadership poised to reshape the roster and front office, the Falcons’ offseason is poised to redefine the team’s identity while maintaining strategic stability where it matters most.

1. Ulbrich: Protected Amid Change

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly expressed interest in interviewing Ulbrich for their defensive coordinator vacancy, but Atlanta declined the request. According to FOX Sports’ Greg Auman, Ulbrich is considered “overhaul-proof,” highlighting his importance to the Falcons’ long-term defensive strategy. Meanwhile, the team did allow offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to pursue other opportunities. Ulbrich joined the Falcons’ staff in 2025 under Morris after leaving the New York Jets, where he spent four seasons as defensive coordinator. He also served as interim head coach for the Jets in 2024, providing him with both leadership experience and familiarity with NFL systems at multiple levels. His tenure has impressed ownership, as Blank has publicly endorsed Ulbrich’s value while allowing the incoming head coach to make final staffing decisions. This approach reflects Atlanta’s desire to maintain some internal consistency even as major changes occur across the organization. By protecting Ulbrich, the Falcons signal that certain key figures will serve as anchors during a tumultuous period, ensuring the defensive philosophy remains intact while other pieces are rebuilt.

2. Rebuilding Leadership and Structure

The Falcons’ offseason priorities extend beyond coaching hires. Atlanta plans to create a new front office role, “president of football,” charged with establishing the team’s vision and identity. Both the new head coach and GM will report to this position, marking a structural shift aimed at long-term stability. Former quarterback Matt Ryan is expected to take the role, providing the organization with a figure who understands both the locker room and the league’s evolving landscape. His presence is intended to bridge the gap between ownership, management, and players while guiding the team through its rebuild. The Falcons’ search for a head coach and general manager is now the centerpiece of the offseason, with Blank emphasizing that new hires will have the authority to shape their staffs, including decisions regarding Ulbrich’s and Robinson’s roles. By redefining its hierarchy, Atlanta hopes to avoid past missteps and ensure the franchise has a cohesive strategy moving forward, pairing new leadership with select retained talent to stabilize key areas.

3. Implications for the NFL Coaching Landscape

Atlanta’s internal stability around Ulbrich affects other teams’ staffing plans as well. The Dallas Cowboys, for example, are actively seeking a new defensive coordinator after moving on from Matt Eberflus following one season. Jerry Jones reportedly had targeted Ulbrich, but the Falcons’ stance forces Dallas to look elsewhere. For Dallas, this means pairing a fresh defensive mind with head coach Brian Schottenheimer as he enters his second year. Meanwhile, Atlanta continues to control the narrative around its coaching assets, selectively granting interviews while prioritizing its own rebuilding strategy. The Falcons’ approach demonstrates the leverage teams can exert when protecting key staff, even amid large-scale organizational changes. It also illustrates how top-tier coordinators like Ulbrich can become central figures in both a team’s immediate plans and its broader reputation around the league. As the offseason unfolds, Atlanta’s ability to fill the head coach, GM, and president of football roles while retaining essential talent like Ulbrich will define the team’s trajectory for years to come.