By The Name Behind the Defense
In the world of American football, some names resonate far beyond the field. Jeff Ulbrich is one of those names. Known for his relentless energy as a linebacker and sharp mind as a coach, Ulbrich has carved out a respected legacy in the NFL. But today, there’s a new chapter unfolding — and it involves his son, Jax Ulbrich, a rising star with ties to Ole Miss and a new generation of football fans.
Who Is Jeff Ulbrich?
From Player to Coach: A Journey of Passion
Jeff Ulbrich’s football journey is one of determination and transformation.
Starting as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers from 2000 to 2009, Ulbrich was known for his physical style of play and leadership on defense. Injuries eventually ended his playing career, but they opened doors to coaching — a path where he would make an even bigger impact.
Coaching Career Highlights
- Seattle Seahawks: Began his coaching career in 2010 as a special teams assistant.
- UCLA Bruins: Served as linebackers coach and then defensive coordinator at the college level.
- Atlanta Falcons: Rose to Defensive Coordinator (DC) role in 2020 after years as linebackers coach.
- New York Jets: Currently the defensive coordinator, bringing toughness and discipline to the team under head coach Robert Saleh.
Ulbrich’s coaching philosophy blends old-school grit with modern defensive tactics — a balance that makes him one of the NFL’s most respected defensive minds.
Jeff Ulbrich’s Family: Meet Jax Ulbrich
A Rising Football Star
Behind the scenes, Jeff Ulbrich is also a dedicated family man. His son, Jax Ulbrich, is starting to make headlines of his own. Young, athletic, and clearly influenced by his father’s intensity, Jax has begun carving his own path in football.
Jax Ulbrich and Ole Miss
One of the most exciting developments is Jax’s connection to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
Although full details are still unfolding, reports suggest Jax is either being recruited or showing interest in playing college football at Ole Miss, a program renowned for developing elite football talent.
For a teenager, earning attention from a program like Ole Miss is no small feat. It signals that Jax has the potential to become a name to watch in the next generation of football.
The Viral Moment: Shedeur Sanders’ Prank Call
What Happened?
In 2024, the football world got a hilarious surprise when Shedeur Sanders — son of NFL legend Deion Sanders — pulled a viral prank call.
Shedeur pretended to be Jeff Ulbrich’s son during a live stream, joking about recruiting scenarios and stirring up playful confusion among fans.
The prank was all in good fun, but it also shined a light on just how recognizable the Ulbrich name has become — not just in coaching circles but among players and fans nationwide.
Why It Matters
In today’s social media age, visibility matters.
Moments like the Shedeur prank put Jax Ulbrich even more into the public spotlight. In a way, it marked a playful “welcome” into the larger football brotherhood.
Falcons Defensive Coordinator Era: Jeff Ulbrich’s Breakout Moment
Taking Over the Falcons’ Defense
During the 2020 NFL season, Jeff Ulbrich was promoted to interim Defensive Coordinator (DC) for the Atlanta Falcons after the firing of Dan Quinn.
Despite taking over during a turbulent season, Ulbrich’s leadership brought noticeable improvements to the Falcons’ defensive unit.
Building a Reputation
Though the Falcons struggled overall that season, Ulbrich’s ability to stabilize and inspire the defense made him a sought-after name.
Soon after, the New York Jets snapped him up as their full-time defensive coordinator — a move that proved wise, as their defense quickly became one of the most aggressive in the league.
The Future: What’s Next for the Ulbrich Family?
Jax Ulbrich’s Journey
All eyes are now on Jax Ulbrich.
Will he officially join the Ole Miss Rebels? Will he follow his father into the NFL one day?
One thing is certain: with Jeff Ulbrich as a mentor, Jax has all the tools, guidance, and support needed to succeed at the highest levels.
Jeff Ulbrich’s Coaching Legacy
Meanwhile, Jeff Ulbrich continues to shape some of the NFL’s toughest defenses. His name remains synonymous with resilience, grit, and football intelligence. Whether coaching college hopefuls or seasoned NFL pros, Ulbrich’s influence is undeniable — and now, his legacy is expanding through his son.
A Story of Family, Football, and the Future
The story of Jeff Ulbrich and Jax Ulbrich is more than just about football; it’s about dedication, family, and passion passed from one generation to the next.
As fans, we love to watch careers unfold. And now, we have the rare treat of watching both father and son rise — one on the sidelines, the other on the field.
If you enjoy inspiring stories of sports legacies, don’t miss our tribute to a boxing legend in “Remembering Dingaan Thobela: A Boxing Legacy Lives On.”