Falcons request interview with Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen

The Atlanta Falcons have requested an interview with New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman first reported this weekend.

Nielsen has been with the Saints since 2017, coaching the defensive line before taking on co-coordinator duties when Dennis Allen was elevated to the head coaching position last offseason. In the final season in New Orleans for Sean Payton as head coach (2021), Nielsen also took on the role of assistant head coach.

While Nielsen and Kris Richard are the co-coordinators, Allen continues to run the defense in games.

Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees retired after the 2022 season.