Falcons Ex Ryan Nielsen Hired by Jaguars for Defensive Coordinator Role

Ryan Nielsen sparked the Atlanta Falcons defense in 2023. Now, he moves to the Sunshine State with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

A former member of the Atlanta Falcons coaching staff has a new job.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Jacksonville Jaguars are hiring former defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to the same position, joining Doug Pederson's staff.

Nielsen, 44, just finished his first season as the Falcons' defensive coordinator after replacing the retired Dean Pees. Atlanta's defense took tremendous strides under Nielsen, finishing 11th in yards allowed after finishing 27th in the same stat a year earlier.

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen reacts with safety Richie Grant (27) after intercepting the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Before coming to Atlanta, Nielsen spent six years as the defensive line coach for the rival New Orleans Saints. The LSU Tigers offered him a defensive coordinator gig in 2021, but he opted to remain with the Saints instead. He also had several college coaching jobs prior to his arrival in New Orleans.

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The Jaguars, who lost five of their final six games to miss the playoffs, are in the hunt for a new defensive coordinator as they fired Mike Caldwell on Black Monday after two years with the club.

It remains to be seen if Nielsen will remain in Atlanta once the Falcons hire their new head coach, but at the very least, it seems like there could be a possibility for a third coordinator for the defense in as many years.