WESTWOOD—Jeff Ulbrich is leaving UCLA after a three-year tenure as the team’s linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.
Ulbrich is moving from Westwood to Atlanta, where he will work for newly anointed head coach Dan Quinn. Ulbrich will become the Falcons linebackers coach, joining Quinn in refurbishing an abysmal Atlanta defense.
In an official release from UCLA, Bruins head coach Jim Mora expressed gratitude for Ulbrich’s work during his three-year tenure, assuring that an immediate search will commence for a new defensive coordinator.
“I would like to thank Coach Ulbrich for everything he has done for UCLA football over the past three years,” said Mora. “The hard work he put in on a daily basis was surpassed only by his dedication to helping develop our student-athletes both on and off the field. It was a pleasure working alongside him and watching him develop as a coach, and I anticipate nothing but success for him in the future.”
During his time with UCLA, Ulbrich oversaw the development of a number of talented players, including Anthony Barr, Datone Jones, Cassius Marsh, Eric Kendricks, and Myles Jack, among others.
The departure of Ulbrich, a former linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, raises recruitment questions concerning star linebacker Roquan Smith, who committed to UCLA on National Signing Day, but is reportedly re-considering his commitment after Ulbrich’s departure.
Ulbrich was the primary recruiter of the Georgia native. With the coach’s departure from UCLA, rumors surround Smith’s possible commitment to Texas A&M, Michigan, or his hometown, Georgia.
