Jaguars to hire Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to same role

NFL: AUG 12 Preseason Jaguars at Cowboys

Amid a search for their own head coach, the Falcons are saying goodbye to a critical piece from Arthur Smith’s staff. According to Adam Schefter, the Jaguars are hiring Ryan Nielsen as their new defensive coordinator.

A couple of weeks ago, the Falcons denied the Jaguars’ request to interview Nielsen. The club denied a couple of other requests for special teams coach Marquice Williams and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, but it’s clear they’ve allowed them to interview now.

I don’t know what changed for the Falcons. I imagine the more candidates they spoke to about their head coach vacancy, the more they realized every prospect wanted to bring in their own staff, instead of inheriting Arthur Smith’s.

Nielsen will replace Mike Caldwell in Jacksonville. The Jaguars lost five of their final six games, while giving up nearly 30 points per game and over 145 yards rushing. Nielsen was a critical piece in the Falcons defensive turnaround, and the Jaguars will surely be happy to have him.

Photographer: Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire

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