In a move that comes as something less than a shock, UCLA announced Sunday that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich "has stepped down" from his position on the Bruins' staff.
Ulbrich has been widely linked with new coach Dan Quinn's Atlanta Falcons staff and is expected to become the Falcons' new linebackers coach, per reports.
"I would like to thank Coach Ulbrich for everything he has done for UCLA Football over the past three years," Jim Mora said in a statement. "The hard work he put in on a daily basis was surpassed only by his dedication to helping develop our student-athletes both on and off the field. It was a pleasure working alongside him and watching him develop as a coach, and I anticipate nothing but success for him in the future."
Ulbrich's departure would appear to hurt the Bruins' chances of landing four-star linebacker recruit Roquan Smith of Montezuma, Georgia. Smith said he would sign with UCLA during a televised announcement on National Signing Day but did not send in his letter of intent when reports of Ulbrich's potential departure first surfaced.
A top-50 overall prospect, Smith said the say after Signing Day he would take "a week or so" to make his decision. UCLA was one of Smith's four finalists, along with Georgia, Texas A&M and Michigan.
Ulbrich spent two seasons as Mora's linebackers and special teams coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator in February 2014.
