Falcons reverse course, allow Jaguars to interview DC Ryan Nielsen

A week after the Jacksonville Jaguars were blocked from interviewing Ryan Nielsen for their vacant defensive coordinator position, the Atlanta Falcons reversed course and will allow him to interview for the job, according to Bruce Feldman of The Athletic.

Teams aren’t allowed to block coaches from interviewing for promotions with other teams, but the Falcons were able to prevent their defensive coordinator from interviewing for a lateral move with the Jaguars.

Earlier this month, Atlanta fired Arthur Smith as head coach and confirmed this week that Bill Belichick and Jim Harbaugh are among the candidates who have interviewed to take over.

Nielsen, 44, spent six seasons with the New Orleans Saints as defensive line coach and served as co-defensive coordinator for the team as well in 2022. In 2023, he took over as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator and defensive line coach.

Under Nielsen’s leadership, the Falcons improved from 27th in yards allowed during the 2022 season to 11th in 2023.

The Jaguars finished 22nd in yards allowed and especially struggled late in the season. In the last six weeks, Jacksonville allowed at least 28 points in four games and lost five times.