Vikings have requested to interview Saints’ co-DC Ryan Nielsen for Minnesota’s vacant defensive coordinator job.
Nielsen also expected to interview with the Falcons for the same role.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2023
The Minnesota Vikings fired defensive coordinator Ed Donatell after their one-and-done playoff appearance, and they aren’t wasting much time searching for his replacement. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Vikings requested an interview with New Orleans Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen for the vacancy.
This is the second such request Nielsen has received; the NFC South-rival Atlanta Falcons are also looking to meet with him as a candidate for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Nielsen shared his title with Kris Richard in 2022, who has his own interview request to consider from the Carolina Panthers.
Nielsen has scouted, drafted, and developed most of the Saints defensive line since joining Sean Payton’s staff back in 2017. Nielsen rose to his current role in New Orleans once Dennis Allen was promoted to head coach, and his star has continued to rise in NFL coaching circles. Depending on how his meetings with Minnesota and Atlanta go, he could be on the outs this offseason.