Falcons coach addresses consequences after son’s prank call to Sheduer Sanders

Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, sparked controversy after he got his hands on Sheduer Sanders’ phone number from his father’s computer before the start of the NFL Draft.

Jax dialed the number to prank call Sanders during the draft. 

The NFL subsequently fined the Falcons assistant coach $100,000. The league also issued the Falcons a $250,000 fine.

The situation sparked some debate about whether Ulbrich, in his second stint with Atlanta, would be dismissed from his job. But Ulbrich said he was never concerned his job was at risk.

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Linebackers coach Jeff Ulbrich of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Miami Dolphins during the preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium Aug. 8, 2019, in Miami, Fla. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

“In all honesty, I never went there, but I felt nothing but support from the organization in every single way, from the people that worked the line in the cafeteria to [owner] Mr. [Arthur] Blank himself, all of them,” Ulbrich told ESPN Wednesday.

NFL ISSUES MASSIVE FINES TO FALCONS, JEFF ULBRICH OVER SHEDEUR SANDERS NFL DRAFT PRANK CALL

Ulbrich handled various assistant coaching roles from 2015-2020 during his first stint with the Falcons. Head coach Raheem Morris, also in his second stint with the team, brought Ulbrich back to Atlanta in January to fill the defensive coordinator opening. 

The Falcons fired former defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake shortly after the regular season ended.

Shedeur Sanders and Jeff Ulbrich (Imagn)

“I felt great support from him. It was one of the biggest reasons, in all honesty, that I came back here because of the organization and what I think of this building,” Ulbrich added.

Ulbrich said he still hasn’t decided on discipline for his son.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, front, walks off the field after the team’s rookie minicamp in Berea, Ohio, May 10, 2025.  (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

“We’re still working through that, but it was a challenge for our family,” Ulbrich said. “But it’s a challenge that everyone in our family’s up for. And like I said, it’s going to make my son better because of it.”

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During a news conference last month, Ulbrich said Jax’s actions were “absolutely inexcusable.” He also said he was unaware his son was responsible for the prank call until after the draft, but he was “shocked” when he did learn of the development.

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