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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons have hired their new defensive coordinator from an NFC South rival's coaching staff. The Falcons hired Ryan Nielsen, the former New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator. Nielsen replaces the 73-year-old Dean Pees, who retired on Jan. 9 following two seasons in charge of the defense on coach Arthur Smith's staff. The Falcons also announced three defensive assistants will not return next season: defensive line coach Gary Emanuel, outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino and secondary coach Jon Hoke. The 43-year-old Nielsen had worked on the Saints' staff since 2017 and was the defensive line coach this season.
