Jeff Ulbrich leaves the Bruins

UCLA defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is leaving the program after three seasons, the team announced Sunday.

Ulbrich is set to sign a contract with theAtlanta Falconson Monday where he will oversee all linebackers under new coach Dan Quinn, a league source told ESPN.com's Vaughn McClure.

In an official release from the school, head coach Jim Mora said he would begin an immediate search for his replacement. Ulbrich joined UCLA's staff when Mora was hired in 2011 and was promoted to defensive coordinator last season when Lou Spanos left for the Tennessee Titans.

"I would like to thank Coach Ulbrich for everything he has done for UCLA football over the past three years," Mora said. "The hard work he put in on a daily basis was surpassed only by his dedication to helping develop our student-athletes both on and off the field. It was a pleasure working alongside him and watching him develop as a coach, and I anticipate nothing but success for him in the future."

UCLA ranked seventh in the Pac-12 last year in scoring defense (28.1 points per game) and third in total defense. The Bruins were just one of three Pac-12 teams that didn't yield an average of at least 400 yards per game.

Ulbrich's departure leaves the status of committed linebacker Roquan Smith in question. Smith committed to the Bruins last Wednesday on signing day, but did not file his paperwork after the news leaked that Ulbrich may depart for the Falcons job. According to Mora, Quinn reached out to Ulbrich either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Ulbrich was Smith's primary recruiter.

Smith, who is No. 29 on the ESPN 300, is said to be considering a number of schools, including UCLA, Georgia, Michigan and Texas A&M.