UCLA defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich accepts offer from Atlanta Falcons
By Kevin Bowman
Feb. 6, 2015 7:07 p.m.
UCLA defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has accepted an offer to become the new linebackers coach for the Atlanta Falcons, according to BruinReportOnline.
Ulbrich was initially offered the job either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, UCLA coach Jim Mora said Wednesday. The Falcons officially announced Dan Quinn as their new coach on Monday. Quinn and Mora coached together on the San Francisco 49ers while Ulbrich was a player.
Ulbrich is leaving for the NFL just one year after being promoted to defensive coordinator at UCLA. His first season as defensive coordinator was a mixed bag in terms of success – the Bruins had some defensive issues early in the season, particularly with their pass rush, but improved significantly in the latter half of the season.
Initially hired by Mora as a linebackers and special teams coach in 2012, Ulbrich quickly was given the title of assistant coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in February 2014.
News initially broke about Ulbrich’s job offer on Wednesday morning, shortly after four-star middle linebacker Roquan Smith announced his commitment to UCLA. After hearing the news, however, Smith held off on signing his letter of intent and has now reopened his recruitment, reportedly waiting to see who is hired as Ulbrich’s replacement.
Compiled by Kevin Bowman, Bruin Sports senior staff.
