Former Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has found a new home, joining the Bills as a senior defensive assistant, according to Bruce Feldman. The Jaguars finished the 2024 campaign dead last in passing yards allowed and 31st in total defense.

The Falcons fired defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers after an underwhelming season in Atlanta. The defense finished 23rd in points allowed and 23rd in total yards, while ranking 31st in total sacks last season.

The defense was heavily criticized by first-year Atlanta head coach Raheem Morris after the Falcons ended the season with back-to-back overtime losses (with a combined 74 points allowed). Morris was the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator for three seasons before taking over in Atlanta last January.

According to a tweet sent by The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, former Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen is on the move. Feldman reports that Nielsen will join the Buffalo Bills as a senior defensive assistant. New Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has opted to rebuild his own staff, leaving Nielsen and several others without jobs.

Ryan Nielsen has served as a defensive coordinator on three different teams over the past three years. He will not have another DC gig in 2025, but he has landed a new opportunity in the NFL.