Cristina Ulbrich, Wife of Falcons Defensive Coordinator, Dies After Cancer Battle

The Atlanta Falcons announced Sunday that Cristina Ulbrich, spouse of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, has passed away following her cancer diagnosis. The organization released a statement mourning the loss and praising her character and contributions to the Falcons family.

Cristina was remembered as a devoted mother and friend whose resilience inspired those around her. The Falcons organization expressed condolences to Jeff Ulbrich, their three children—Samantha, Jax and Jace—and extended supporters during the grieving period.

Ulbrich, 49, was absent from Falcons training camp during practice sessions Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The couple first met in 1997 during Ulbrich’s recruiting visit to Hawaii, according to reporting by The Athletic.

Ulbrich assumed the role of defensive coordinator with the Falcons last season after spending three years in the same capacity with the New York Jets beginning in 2021. His tenure in Atlanta marks his second period with the franchise, having initially joined the organization in 2015 as linebackers coach.

During his first stint, Ulbrich was part of the 2017 Super Bowl team that lost to the New England Patriots in overtime after surrendering a 28-3 lead. He was subsequently promoted to assistant head coach in 2020 and named defensive coordinator later that year under interim head coach Raheem Morris.

Following his departure to New York with the Jets, Ulbrich returned to the Falcons last season when Morris was named head coach. Although Morris was dismissed after one season, the Falcons retained Ulbrich while hiring Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach for 2026.

Before beginning his coaching career, Ulbrich played linebacker in the NFL for 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2000 through 2009. After retirement, he held coaching positions with the Seattle Seahawks and UCLA Bruins before joining the Falcons organization.