The Atlanta Falcons’ defense has come a long way in a short time-and that’s not just coach-speak. After years of instability, including a carousel of defensive coordinators, the Falcons have finally found some footing.
Jeff Ulbrich, who helped steer the unit in the right direction, is staying on board under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. That kind of continuity is something Atlanta hasn’t had in a while, and it’s a big deal.
To put it in perspective, the Falcons cycled through four different defensive coordinators in four seasons. Dean Pees, Ryan Nielsen, Jimmy Lake-it’s a list that reads more like a timeline of turnover than a blueprint for success. But that revolving door appears to have stopped spinning, and Ulbrich deserves credit for helping stabilize things.
Still, one of those former coordinators is back in the spotlight. Ryan Nielsen, who last coached in Atlanta in 2023, has landed a new gig with the Minnesota Vikings. He’ll serve as their defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator after spending 2025 in Buffalo as a senior defensive assistant under Sean McDermott.
Nielsen’s coaching résumé is heavy on defensive line work, especially from his time with the New Orleans Saints. And while his stint as Atlanta’s DC wasn’t long, it was impactful.
In just one season, the Falcons doubled their sack total and climbed to 18th in scoring defense and 11th in total defense. That’s a serious leap in production for a unit that had struggled to find its identity.
But when Raheem Morris was hired in Atlanta, he brought Jimmy Lake with him to run the defense. That led Nielsen to take the defensive coordinator job in Jacksonville, and that’s where things unraveled. The Jaguars gave up more points per game than any team in franchise history, and Nielsen was let go alongside head coach Doug Pederson after the 2024 season.
Given how that season went, it’s not surprising Nielsen has had to take a step back before getting another shot at a coordinator role. But his new position in Minnesota could be a strong rebound opportunity.
The Vikings are retaining Brian Flores as defensive coordinator and boast one of the most physically imposing defensive fronts in the league. With names like Dallas Turner, Jonathan Greenard, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave, Nielsen will have a chance to work with elite-level talent.
This is a high-stakes year for the Vikings. Head coach Kevin O’Connell is under pressure after the team parted ways with their general manager, and he’s clearly not afraid to shake things up on his staff. Nielsen’s hire is part of that bigger picture.
As for Falcons fans, watching this unfold from afar is a reminder of how far their team has come. A year or two ago, uncertainty defined the defensive side of the ball in Atlanta. Now, with Ulbrich in place and Stefanski taking the reins, the franchise finally has some stability-and that’s a win in itself.