Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will handle play-calling duties, though the process of building a scheme will include lots of collaboration.

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 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.

New defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said his top priority is affecting opposing quarterbacks -- long a thorn in the Atlanta Falcons' side.

Jeff Ulbrich is making a return to Atlanta after four seasons with the New York Jets. Ulbrich’s hiring was announced on January 18th after leading the Jets as interim head coach in 12 games this past season.