The Atlanta Falcons have announced the passing of Cristina Ulbrich, wife of their defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich. Cristina lost her battle with cancer on Sunday. The team expressed their sorrow in a statement, highlighting Cristina’s strength, love, and impact on those around her.
“Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose grace and resilience touched everyone around her. She was a constant source of support to Jeff, their family, and the Falcons community,” the Falcons stated.
“On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeff, their children, and all who loved Cristina. During this difficult time, our thoughts are with the Ulbrich family. We stand with them in support and remembrance,” the statement continued.
Jeff Ulbrich, who is currently 49, has been absent from Falcons training camp on Tuesday and Wednesday as reports suggest. He and Cristina share three children: Samantha, Jax, and Jace.
Their relationship began in 1997 during Jeff’s recruiting visit to Hawaii. Jeff later transitioned into coaching, joining the Falcons as the defensive coordinator last season. He previously held a similar role with the New York Jets starting from 2021.
Upon joining the Falcons in 2015, Jeff initially worked as a linebackers coach. He was part of the team during the 2017 Super Bowl where the Falcons faced a historic comeback by the New England Patriots.
In 2020, Jeff became the assistant head coach and linebackers coach before moving up to defensive coordinator under interim head coach Raheem Morris. He joined Robert Saleh’s staff with the Jets in 2021 and became interim head coach in 2024 after Saleh’s dismissal. Jeff finished that season with a 3-9 record as a head coach before returning to his defensive coordinator role under Raheem Morris for another season.
After Morris’s departure, the team retained Jeff, while Kevin Stefanski was named head coach for 2026.
Prior to coaching, Jeff enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers as a linebacker. After retiring, he began coaching with the Seattle Seahawks and later took roles with the UCLA Bruins as a linebackers coach and special teams coordinator.