The Atlanta Falcons have yet to hire a head coach, but they’ve officially lost defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday. Nielsen took over the Falcons defense for retired defensive coordinator Dean Pees in 2023 and thrived during his one season in Atlanta.
After initially blocking Nielsen from taking interviews, the Falcons allowed him to meet with the Jaguars last week. Apparently, the interview went well and Nielsen will join Doug Pederson’s staff in Jacksonville.
Jaguars are set to hire former Falcons’ defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen as their new defensive coordinator, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2024
Under Nielsen, the Falcons doubled their sack total in 2023 from 21 to 42. With free-agent additions like Jessie Bates, Calais Campbell, David Onyemata and Kaden Elliss, Atlanta’s defense went from a weakness to a strength.
The team allowed 321 yards per game last season after allowing 362.1 in 2022 under Pees. Once the Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith, Nielsen’s future became uncertain in Atlanta.
