Sports

Falcons' defensive coordinator back at camp following wife's death

Nairavoice · Aug 7, 2026 · 2 min read

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was back in training camp this week following the death of his wife, Cristina, of cancer at the end of July.

“Great to see Falcons’ defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich back at training camp— heavy hearts during practice for sure,” WSB-TV’s Zach Klein said in a post on X.

Ulbrich was absent from the field for a period of time following Cristina’s death.

“The Atlanta Falcons are heartbroken by the passing of Cristina Ulbrich … after her courageous battle with cancer,” the organization said July 30. “Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace and resilience touched all who knew her. She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community.”

Ulbrich first joined the Falcons as a linebacker coach in 2015. He spent six seasons in Atlanta before coaching with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. He returned to Atlanta at the beginning of the year as the defensive coordinator.

Cristina was 48, and the Ulbrich’s share three children together.

Along with the Atlanta Falcons, team owner Arthur M. Blank said Cristina would “always be an important part of (the) Falcons family.”

“It was always evident how deeply Cristina loved her family and how fiercely she supported them. She faced every challenge with extraordinary courage, strength and grace, inspiring so many through the way she lived and the way she fought,” Blank said in a statement. “The greatest legacy Cristina leaves behind is the family she loved so completely, and her strength and spirit will continue to shine through them.”-

Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons head coach, said it was a “difficult time” for both the Ulbrich family and the Falcons.

“We, like any family, we will support Jeff and the kids, and we’ll put our arms around him and the kids literally and as an organization, and I’ll let Jeff address (the press) when the time is appropriate and he can share his thoughts,” but just so you know” Stefanski said in a press conference.