Saints rival steals one of their beloved coaches
The New Orleans Saints just lost one of their most important defensive coaches. Co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen is headed to Atlanta. The Falcons are hiring him to be their new defensive coordinator. The Terry Fontenot-New Orleans connection continues as the Falcons general manager. Nielsen had spent the past five seasons with […]
The New Orleans Saints just lost one of their most important defensive coaches.
Co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen is headed to Atlanta. The Falcons are hiring him to be their new defensive coordinator.
The Terry Fontenot-New Orleans connection continues as the Falcons general manager.
Nielsen had spent the past five seasons with the Saints. His positions varied between multiple spots. He spent time at defensive line coach, assistant head coach, and co-defensive coordinator.
Nielsen was extremely well-respected by coaches and players during his time in New Orleans. He was one of those staff members that you never heard a negative word about while he was with the Saints.
For the Falcons, it is an aggressive hire as he is a bit inexperienced as a defensive coordinator at the NFL level. That being said, his upside could be really impressive.
His developmental work with players like Trey Hendrickson and David Onyemata was a real bright spot for him with the Saints. The Falcons hope that he can bring that to Atlanta.
The Saints could look to Kris Richard to be their next full-time defensive coordinator. He was the other half of the co-defensive coordinator label last season.
Richard has been a hot name for other open DC spots around the league, so this may be the opportunity for the Saints to lock him down as their DC.
Seeing Nielsen coach an NFC South rival will be tough for Saints fans, but he deserves the opportunity.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
