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Saints’ Cam Jordan ‘happy-ish’ as Ryan Nielsen bolts for rival Falcons

New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Cameron Jordan is “happy-ish” about his former coach Ryan Nielsen going to a division rival.

Nielsen was hired as the Atlanta Falcons’ new defensive coordinator on Friday after a successful six-year stint as defensive line coach in New Orleans. He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2021 and co-defensive coordinator last season.

Jordan, however, isn’t overly enthusiastic about Nielsen’s departure – the coach helped morph the defensive lineman into a perennial Pro Bowler.

New Orleans Saints Defensive End Cameron Jordan (94) leaves the field after the first half during the game between the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles on November 21, 2021 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
New Orleans Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen reacts to a call during the team's NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Nov. 7, 2021, in New Orleans. The Atlanta Falcons found their new defensive coordinator from an NFC South rival's coaching staff on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, by hiring Nielsen, the former Saints' co-defensive coordinator. Nielsen replaces Dean Pees, who retired on Jan. 9.
AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman, File

“Ryan to Dc job was inevitable. Top tier DL coach in terms of developing pass rush and emphasizing technique on run and gap integrity,” Jordan tweeted. “Wish him the semi-best as he willingly went to the Failcons [sic].”

The 43-year-old coach played defensive tackle at USC but never played in an NFL game.

After coaching at colleges like Ole Miss and NC State for over a decade, he landed his first NFL gig with the Saints. And in New Orleans, Nielsen coached a defensive line that’s recorded 281 sacks since 2017 – the second-most in the NFL during that span.

Ryan to Dc job was inevitable. Top tier DL coach in terms of developing pass rush and emphasizing technique on run and gap integrity. 😔🫡 wish him the semi-best as he willingly went to the Failcons… happy-ish for him pic.twitter.com/la3TaOW4id

— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) January 28, 2023

Now with the Falcons, Nielsen will try to reconstruct an Atlanta defense that finished the season No. 27 in yards allowed and usher in a new era of winning football for the Falcons.

Nielsen will fill the shoes of Dean Pees, who retired from coaching this past season.