The Atlanta Falcons made one of the most aggressive coaching moves of the 2024 offseason by bringing back Raheem Morris as head coach, pairing him with two rising coordinators in Zac Robinson (offense) and Jeff Ulbrich (defense). But as the 2025 season approaches, one NFL insider isnât sold just yet.
In Ben Solakâs annual league wide ranking of all 32 coaching staffs, he put the Falcons at No. 25 overall, down four spots from last yearâs placement. Thatâs a surprisingly low mark for a staff loaded with experience, energy, and upside. Yet the skepticism comes down to one thing: game management.
Why the Ranking Is So Low
GettyCoaching, Chemistry, and the Clock: The 2025 Test
Raheem Morris has been widely praised throughout his career as a motivator and defensive strategist. Robinson earned strong reviews in his first year calling plays for Atlanta, working through a messy quarterback rotation with flashes of creativity. Ulbrichâs resume speaks for itself after a run of elite defensive play in New York. But all three coaches still face critical questions in 2025.
For Morris, itâs about decision making under pressure. A series of late game misfires including a timeout blunder against Washington and another confusing sequence against Carolina proved costly last season. It wasnât just a rookie mistake. Morris has worn the headset before, and as Ben Solak put it, âIn 2025, when so many resources can be dedicated to optimal timeout usage and clock management, itâs just not acceptable to make these mistakes.â
The Unknowns Around Robinson and Ulbrich
GettyInside a Crucial Year for the Falcons Coaching Staff
On offense, Zac Robinson showed promise, particularly in his ability to scheme players open in the quick game and simplify reads for inexperienced quarterbacks. But when injuries and inconsistency struck, the offense rarely found a second gear.
The 2025 season gives Robinson a fresh slate, with second year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. expected to take over full time duties. The pieces are in place: Drake London on the outside, Kyle Pitts finally healthy, and Bijan Robinson looking like a true dual threat star. But can Robinson tie it all together and turn Atlanta into a top 10 offense?
Defensively, Jeff Ulbrich enters 2025 with perhaps the biggest âprove itâ label of the three. While his work with the Jets drew league wide praise, Ulbrich was operating under the umbrella of head coach Robert Saleh, one of the most respected defensive minds in football. Now in Atlanta, he has his own unit to mold from top to bottom.
The Falcons roster is full of ascending talent. If Penix Jr. stabilizes the quarterback position, and if defensive rookies like Jalon Walker, James Pearce Jr. and second year DT Ruke Orhorhoro deliver on their potential, Atlantaâs coaching staff could end up looking like one of the most undervalued groups in football.
âIf they get the job done,â Ben Solak admitted, âit will be a triumph of coaching, and the No. 25 will look very silly next to their name.â In other words: the Falcons staff has something to prove, and all the tools to prove it.
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