Jaguars hiring Falcons DC Nielsen in same role

The Jacksonville Jaguars are hiring Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen in the same role, the team announced Monday.

"We're excited to welcome Ryan and have him lead our defense moving forward," head coach Doug Pederson said in a statement. "Ryan is an outstanding football coach, and his defenses with the Falcons and Saints were always fundamentally sound in both their physicality and concepts."

Nielsen joined the Falcons in 2023 after working as the New Orleans Saints' co-defensive coordinator in 2022. The 44-year-old began his NFL coaching career with the Saints in 2017 as a defensive line coach.

"He has the rare ability to both teach and connect with his players," Pederson continued. "He builds lasting, two-way relationships predicated on trust. He establishes accountability, first from himself, then the players."

Atlanta's defense allowed 21.9 points (18th in the NFL) and 321.1 total yards (11th) per game this season. The team also forced 16 turnovers.

The Jaguars gave up 21.8 points and 342.8 yards per contest with 27 takeaways under former defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell in 2023.

Jacksonville's defense features linebacker Foyesade Oluokun, pass-rusher Travon Walker, and cornerback Darious Williams, among others.

The club's top edge defender, Josh Allen, racked up 17.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss this season. However, he's currently slated to hit free agency.

Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.