Shortly after hiring Ryan Nielsen as defensive coordinator, the Atlanta Falcons parted with three of their defensive coaches.
Defensive line coach Gary Emanuel, outside linebackers coach Ten Monachino and secondary coach Jon Hoke were each released by the team on Friday.
Falcons let go of defensive assistants Gary Emanuel (DL), Ted Monachino (OLB) and Jon Hoke (secondary).
So most of the defensive staff is getting overhauled. Linebackers coach Frank Bush is the DC this week at the Shrine Bowl.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 27, 2023
Nielsen, 43, comes to Atlanta after spending six years as an assistant coach in New Orleans. He served as defensive line coach for the team since 2017 and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2021.
Atlanta’s defense has struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks and ranks near the bottom of the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.