5 takeaways from new Jaguars DC Ryan Nielsen’s first press conference

New defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen says the Jaguars will have an “attacking, aggressive” defense in 2024.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen introduced himself to Duval on Thursday in his first press conference since accepting the job in January.

Nielsen, 44, has been tasked with lifting up a Jaguars defense that finished the 2023 season No. 22 in yards allowed and No. 17 in points allowed.

Prior to arriving in Jacksonville, Nielsen spent the 2023 season as the defensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons and the six seasons prior on the coaching staff of the New Orleans Saints. In his sole season in Atlanta, the team finished No. 11 in yards allowed, a massive improvement from its No. 27 finish in 2022.

On Thursday, Nielsen offered a few glimpses at what he’s planning for the Jaguars defense to look like in 2024. Here are five of the most interesting nuggets from his first press conference: