The Atlanta Falcons' defense will look different in several ways under newly hired defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.

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.

After interviewing a handful of candidates, the Atlanta Falcons hired Jeff Ulbrich for their defensive coordinator vacancy last week. The team held a press conference in Flowery Branch to introduce Ulbrich on Monday morning.

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.