Career Timeline of Jeff Ulbrich: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 20, 2025

How Jeff Ulbrich built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jeff Ulbrich is a former NFL linebacker and current defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. After a college football career at the University of Hawaii, he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2000 and played with them until 2009. He then transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming a defensive coordinator in the NFL.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2000: Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers

In 2000, Jeff Ulbrich was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round (86th overall) of the NFL draft.

2000: Selected in the 2000 NFL Draft

In 2000, Jeff Ulbrich was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round. During his rookie season, he played in only four games due to a right shoulder injury.

2001: Won Starting Job

In 2001, Jeff Ulbrich won the starting job with the San Francisco 49ers.

2006: Started 9 of 16 games

In 2006, Jeff Ulbrich started in 9 out of 16 games for the San Francisco 49ers.

2009: Retirement from Playing and Joining Seattle Seahawks

Following the 2009 season, Jeff Ulbrich retired as a player and became the assistant special teams coach for the Seattle Seahawks.

2009: Ulbrich's NFL Career Ends

In 2009, Jeff Ulbrich's NFL career as a player concluded with the San Francisco 49ers.

January 29, 2010: Hired by the Seattle Seahawks

On January 29, 2010, Jeff Ulbrich was hired by the Seattle Seahawks as a special teams assistant.

2012: Joins UCLA Bruins Coaching Staff

In 2012, Jeff Ulbrich became the UCLA Bruins linebackers and special teams coach and was later elevated to Assistant Head Coach in the spring of 2012.

February 2014: Promotion to Defensive Coordinator at UCLA

In February 2014, Jeff Ulbrich was promoted to Defensive Coordinator for the UCLA Bruins.

2015: Hired by the Atlanta Falcons

In 2015, Jeff Ulbrich was hired by the Atlanta Falcons as a linebackers coach.

2016: Reached Super Bowl LI

During the 2016 season, Jeff Ulbrich and the Atlanta Falcons reached Super Bowl LI, where they played against the New England Patriots and lost in overtime 34-28.

October 12, 2020: Named Defensive Coordinator

On October 12, 2020, Jeff Ulbrich was named defensive coordinator under interim head coach Raheem Morris, as part of a midseason shakeup of the coaching staff for the Atlanta Falcons.