The Atlanta Falcons have recruited Barrett Ruud, a former assistant from Nebraska, to serve as their inside linebackers coach.
The Atlanta Falcons have officially appointed Barrett Ruud as their inside linebackers coach, according to an announcement made by the team on Friday. Ruud, a former NFL linebacker, previously served as the inside linebackers coach at Nebraska from 2018 to 2022 under head coach Scott Frost. Before that, from 2016 to 2017, he held the role of quality control administrator at UCF, also working with Frost. The 40-year-old Ruud now joins the coaching staff of newly appointed head coach Raheem Morris in Atlanta.
During his playing career, Ruud played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005 to 2010, a period when Morris served as an assistant and eventually as head coach for the Buccaneers. Ruud was known for his strong tackling skills, achieving a career-high of 143 tackles in 2009. He holds the school record for career tackles at Nebraska with 432.
Raheem Morris, taking over from Arthur Smith, who departed after three consecutive 7-10 seasons, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to lead the Falcons. Morris also welcomed several other additions to the Falcons’ coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, tight ends coach Kevin Kroger, assistant offensive line coach Nick Jones, pass game specialist Chandler Whitmer, receivers coach Ike Hilliard, defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, and chief of staff, coaching operations Steve Scarnecchia. Morris acknowledged the Rams organization, where he previously worked, for the experience and opportunities provided.
