The Falcons' quick hiring of Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator has sparked frustration among fans, who see it as yet another example of the team's lack of forward-thinking moves.

The defense was heavily criticized by first-year Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris after the Falcons ended the season with back-to-back overtime losses (with a combined 74 points allowed). Morris was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over in Atlanta last January.

The Atlanta Falcons have hired their new defensive coordinator. Atlanta is hiring former New York Jets defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Jeff Ulbrich takes over as the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator after the team fired Jimmy Lake following an 8-9 season.

The Atlanta Falcons have hired former New York Jets defensive coordinator and interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday night. The Falcons interviewed seven candidates for the job, but Ulbrich always was considered the favorite because of his relationship with Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

The Houston Texans already are replacing three offensive coaches. Now, they’ll have to replace one on the defensive side. The Atlanta Falcons officially hired assistant defensive line coach Nate Ollie as their new defensive line coach,

The Atlanta Falcons added to their coaching staff on Friday, naming Mike Rutenberg as defensive pass game coordinator and Nate Ollie as defensive line coach.

The Atlanta Falcons have added two more assistants to their coaching staff, hiring Nate Ollie as the defensive line coach and Mike Rutenberg as the defensive passing game coordinator on Friday afternoon.