The Jacksonville Jaguars defense has a new leader.
The Jaguars formally hired former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen on Monday, capping a two-week search.
“We’re excited to welcome Ryan and have him lead our defense moving forward,” stated Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson.
“Ryan is a terrific football coach, and his Falcons and Saints defenses were always fundamentally sound in terms of physicality and principles. He possesses the unique ability to simultaneously instruct and connect with his players. He establishes long-term, two-way partnerships based on trust. He fosters accountability, first for himself, and then for the players. What I’ve most liked about Ryan’s defenders, as we witnessed in London in October, was their shared drive and enthusiasm to get the job done and impact the game.”
But what does the Nielsen hire signify for the Jaguars as they enter the 2024 offseason? How have the team’s needs altered since switching to Nielsen’s scheme from Mike Caldwell’s? What does Nielsen bring to the table that should make the Jaguars excited about their defense after the 2023 season ended?
This week’s episode of the Jaguar Report podcast features John and Gus discussing all of this and other topics.
