FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) 鈥� Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski introduced the team’s offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators on Wednesday, but not without making a statement on first.
鈥淥n the James Pearce situation, there鈥檚 really nothing to add,鈥� Stefanski said. 鈥淥ur coaches will defer to the statement that was put out, so respectfully, I understand there鈥檚 questions, but we don鈥檛 have much to add there.鈥�
Pearce was arrested on after what the Doral Police Department said was a domestic dispute with WNBA player Rickea Jackson. He was arrested after crashing his car in an attempt to evade police. He faces five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking.
Peace posted a bond of $20,500 on Sunday at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. His says Pearce 鈥渕aintains his innocence.鈥�
After a nearly complete overhaul of the Falcons鈥� staff following an 8-9 season, defensive coordinator is one of few remaining coaches who has experience with Pearce.
Pearce鈥檚 rookie season was Ulbrich鈥檚 first as Atlanta鈥檚 defensive coordinator. The linebacker led the team with 10.5 sacks.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an unfortunate situation. Just don鈥檛 have all the details of it yet,鈥� Ulbrich said Wednesday, adding that it was disappointing news.
On establishing a succession plan for Pearce, Ubrich added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 still so early, you know, it鈥檚 still so early. We鈥檙e not there yet.鈥�
The Falcons traded their 2026 first-round draft pick to the Los Angeles Rams for last year’s No. 26 overall pick, where they selected Pearce. The Falcons’ pass rush saw significant improvement in 2025, setting a team record with 57 sacks, 26 more than the year prior.
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