Falcons Bolster Defensive Coaching Staff with Key Hires

The Atlanta Falcons have strengthened their defensive coaching staff by hiring Nate Ollie as the defensive line coach and Mike Rutenberg as the defensive passing game coordinator. Both coaches have previously worked under the Falcons' new defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, at the New York Jets. Rutenberg has an extensive background, including roles with the Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers before his stint as the Jets' linebackers coach. Ollie, who has recently been with the Houston Texans, started his NFL coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles and also served under Ulbrich at the Jets. These changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance the Falcons' defensive capabilities, following Ulbrich's successful record with the Jets, where the defense ranked highly in yards allowed from 2022 to 2024.