Former Falcon Stephen Nicholas joining Buccaneers staff

Fomer Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was hired by the Tampa Buccaneers on Feb. 21. (CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM)

Credit: CURTIS COMPTON / AJC

Credit: CURTIS COMPTON / AJC

Fomer Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas was hired by the Tampa Buccaneers on Feb. 21. (CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM)

Former Falcons linebacker Stephen Nicholas is stepping over to the other side of Atlanta’s NFC South rivalry with the Buccaneers.

The Florida franchise announced on Wednesday the 34-year old had been hired as the team's defensive quality control coach. Nicholas held the same position for the last three years at the University of South Florida. He worked with the Buccaneers last spring during organized team activities as part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

Nicholas was drafted in the fourth round by the Falcons in 2007. He played in 101 games for the team until he was released in 2013. During that time he totaled 378 tackles, eight sacks, five forced fumbles and two interceptions.