Former Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen has reportedly landed with a new team.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Nielsen is joining the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff as the defensive line coach and run game coordinator.
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Nielsen spent the 2025 season in Buffalo as a senior defensive assistant under then-head coach Sean McDermott.
The 2024 NFL season was Nielsen’s lone as the Jaguars‘ defensive coordinator. He was hired by Doug Pederson after a season as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator in 2023.
Overall, under Nielsen, the Jaguars’ pass defense ranked 27th in points per game allowed. They also ranked 30th or worse in interceptions, yards per pass attempt allowed, passer rating, and in pressure rate on the opposing quarterback.
Head coach Liam Coen chose not to retain Nielsen and instead brought in Anthony Campanile.
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In Campanile’s first season, the Jaguars’ defense was among the best in football at forcing takeaways. During the team’s eight-game winning streak, the defense held opponents to under 15 points per game.
After getting a few head coaching looks this hiring cycle, Campanile will return to lead the Jacksonville defense for the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Report: Vikings hiring former Jaguars DC Ryan Nielsen