FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons are actively restructuring their coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball, announcing two key appointments on Friday. Mike Rutenberg has been appointed as the defensive pass game coordinator, while Nate Ollie will step in as the defensive line coach.

These changes come just a week after Jeff Ulbrich, who served as the interim coach for the New York Jets during a significant portion of the previous season, was named the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator. The organization decided to part ways with former defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers following the team’s disappointing 8-9 season.

Rutenberg brings a wealth of experience, having coached linebackers for the Jets over the past four seasons and previously held an assistant position with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. Ollie, meanwhile, joins the Falcons after serving as the assistant defensive line coach for the Houston Texans in 2024. Prior to that, he spent two seasons as the defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, and also gained experience with the Jets and Philadelphia Eagles in previous roles.

Last season, the Falcons struggled defensively, ranking 23rd in the league in total defense and allowing an average of 24.9 points per game under the guidance of first-year head coach Raheem Morris. The recent appointments are part of a broader strategy to improve the team’s defensive performance going forward.