Buffalo Bills Hire Former Saints and Falcons Coach Ryan Nielsen as Senior Defensive Assistant
The Buffalo Bills announced on Monday that they have added Ryan Nielsen to their coaching staff as a senior defensive assistant. The 45-year-old coach will primarily focus on working with the defensive line, an area in which he has extensive experience throughout his career.
Nielsen’s Coaching Journey
Nielsen most recently served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 and previously held the same position with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Before these roles, he spent six seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he built a strong reputation as a defensive line coach.
His football career began as a defensive tackle at the University of Southern California (USC) until 2001. After a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in preseason, he played in the Arena Football League with the Los Angeles Avengers.
Nielsen transitioned to coaching in 2005, starting as a defensive line coach at the University of Mississippi, a position he held until 2007. He later became the defensive coordinator at Central Connecticut State for two years before coaching the defensive line at UT Martin in 2010. The following year, he joined Northern Illinois, first as a defensive line coach and later as a defensive coordinator.
In 2013, he moved to North Carolina State, where he served as a defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator through the 2016 season.
NFL Coaching Career
Nielsen made the jump to the NFL in 2017, joining Sean Payton’s coaching staff with the New Orleans Saints. As the Saints’ defensive line coach from 2017 to 2021, he helped build one of the league’s most formidable defensive fronts.
Following Payton’s departure in 2021, Dennis Allen was promoted to head coach, and Nielsen was elevated to co-defensive coordinator alongside Kris Richard while continuing to oversee the defensive line. After the 2023 season, Nielsen left New Orleans to take over as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator.
Impact on Former Teams
Since Nielsen’s departure, the Saints’ defense has struggled. In 2023, New Orleans fell to 13th in total defense and 22nd in stopping the run. Their decline continued last season, dropping to 30th in total defense and 31st against the run. The once-dominant Saints pass rush also faltered, managing only 34 sacks in 2023 and 39 last season.
Joining Familiar Faces in Buffalo
With his move to the Bills, Nielsen reunites with several former Saints coaches who are now part of Buffalo’s staff. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady, quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer all previously worked in New Orleans.
Nielsen’s expertise in defensive line play will be a valuable asset for Buffalo as they aim to strengthen their defense for the upcoming season.
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