Jeff Ulbrich, who caused a bi-coastal recruiting firestorm, is set to be named the Falcons new linebackers today.
New coach Dan Quinn is set to officially fill out his staff with Ulbrich, defensive backs coach Marquand Manuel and quarterbacks coach Matt LaFluer. Also, five assistant quality control level positions have been filled.
Ulbrich was on the college staff at UCLA under former Falcons coach Jim L. Mora. When news that he was coming to the Falcons was reported by Fox Sports, linebacker Roquan Smith of Macon County High got cold feet.
He'd been recruited by Ulbrich and after announcing on television and flashing some fancy UCLA gloves, he elected not to send in his paperwork. Georgia, Texas A&M, Michigan and UCLA are still recruiting Smith.
Ulbrich was in the building visiting the Falcons on Thursday, a day after national signing day. Mora vowed to make an attempt to retain him, but lost the battle over the weekend.
“I would like to thank Coach Ulbrich for everything he has done for UCLA football over the past three years,” Mora said in a statement released by the school. “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.”
Ulbrich joined UCLA’s staff when Mora was hired in 2011 and was promoted to defensive coordinator last season. He was credited with helping convert Anthony Barr from a running back into a linebacker.
Barr was the ninth overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft and played well for the Minnesota Vikings last season.
Ulbrich, 37, was a third round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2000. He went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL. He played in 120 games and made 75 starts.
He started his coaching career in 2010 with the Seattle Seahawks.
He will be charged with breathing life into the Falcons linebacker unit, which has been lead by Paul Worrilow and Joplo Bartu over the past two seasons. The unit could receive a boost from the return of Sean Weathersoon, who missed last season with an Achilles injury.
Manuel, 35, a former NFL player who played for six teams after starring at Florida, was an assistant coach with Seattle since 2012.
LaFluer, who is coming from Notre Dame, was Washington’s quarterbacks coach from 2010-13.
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