Who is Jeff Ulbrich and How Much Does He Make Yearly?

Jeff Ulbrich is a former NFL linebacker and current defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. He has built a strong reputation in football through his playing and coaching careers. In 2025, his annual salary is reported to be approximately $1.6 million, making him one of the higher-paid defensive coordinators in the NFL.​

Early Life and Playing Career

Jeff Ulbrich was born on February 17, 1977, in San Jose, California. He grew up with a strong interest in football and played the sport throughout his school years. His early dedication to the game helped him build a solid foundation for a future in professional football.

He played college football at the University of Hawaii, where he became one of the team’s top defensive players. His standout performance at linebacker caught the attention of NFL scouts and set the stage for his professional career.

In the 2000 NFL Draft, Jeff Ulbrich was selected in the third round by the San Francisco 49ers. He played his entire NFL career with the 49ers from 2000 to 2009. Known for his toughness and work ethic, he was a respected leader on and off the field.

During his 10-year career, Ulbrich played in over 120 games and was recognized for his smart play and reliable tackling. Although he did not become a league superstar, his consistent performance and leadership made him a valuable player for the 49ers.

Transition to Coaching

After retiring from playing in 2009, Ulbrich began his coaching career. He held various coaching positions, including roles with the Seattle Seahawks and UCLA Bruins. In 2015, he joined the Atlanta Falcons as a linebackers coach and was later promoted to defensive coordinator. Ulbrich also served as the interim head coach for the New York Jets during the 2024 season before returning to the Falcons.

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Jeff Ulbrich Salary

As of 2025, Jeff Ulbrich’s salary as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons is approximately $1.6 million per year. This places him among the top 10 highest-paid defensive coordinators in the NFL. For context, the highest-paid defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio of the Philadelphia Eagles, earns around $4.5 million annually.​

Recent Controversy

In April 2025, Jeff Ulbrich was fined $100,000 by the NFL after his son, Jax Ulbrich, prank-called quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft. Jax obtained Sanders’ private contact information from an open iPad at his father’s home. The Atlanta Falcons were also fined $250,000 for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information. Jeff Ulbrich publicly apologized for the incident and stated that he and his son take full responsibility.​

Conclusion

Jeff Ulbrich has built a strong reputation in the football world through years of hard work, both as a player and as a coach. From his early days in California to his college success at the University of Hawaii and a full decade in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, he has shown dedication and leadership. His playing career gave him valuable experience that he later carried into coaching.

As a defensive coordinator, Ulbrich has earned respect across the league for his football knowledge and coaching ability. He currently holds a top position with the Atlanta Falcons, and his income reflects that. The reported Jeff Ulbrich salary of around $1.6 million per year shows how highly valued he is in the NFL. Despite a few controversies, he continues to contribute to the game at a high level. His journey proves that long-term commitment and learning can lead to success in both playing and coaching.