Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta Falcons

Report: Falcons interview Ryan Nielsen for defensive coordinator spot

New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is seen before an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is seen before an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
By
Updated Jan 25, 2023

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Ryan Nielsen, the Saints’ co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach, interviewed with the Falcons for their vacant defensive coordinator position on Tuesday, according to NFL Media.

ExploreThe AJC's complete coverage on the Falcons

Nielsen, 43, was in the college ranks from 2005-16. He’s been with the Saints from 2017 to the present. He is the fourth candidate interviewed since Dean Pees elected to retire after the season.

Vic Fangio and Al Holcomb were interviews on Jan. 18. Brian Flores was interviewed on Jan. 19. Jerry Gray and current linebackers coach Frank Bush are the other two known candidates.

Click here for bios on the candidates.

Since Nielsen joined the Saints in 2017, they have amassed 42, 49, 51, 45, 46 and 48 sacks. Last season, the Saints finished ranked ninth in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed.

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Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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