UPDATE: Jane Slater of the NFL Network and ESPN's Mike Triplett are reporting that there is a dispute about the language in Nielsen's contract the is currently holding up the move.
PREVIOUS REPORTING:
Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen is set to become LSU’s next defensive coordinator, according to a report from the NFL Network’s Jane Slater.
Nielsen just completed his fourth season as the Saints defensive line coach. Prior to joining New Orleans, he served as an assistant at North Carolina State from 2013-16.
The California native started 30 games and played for current LSU head coach Ed Orgeron at USC from 1998-2001.
Orgeron said last week that he had a “feeling of who it’s going to be,” but needed to wait for the right time.
Nielsen will replace Bo Pelini who parted ways with LSU following the 2020 season.
The Tigers announced the hiring of offensive coordinator Jake Peetz and passing game coordinator DJ Mangas earlier this month.
Nielsen isn’t the only Saints coach expected to depart from he coach Sen Payton’s staff. Tight ends coach Dan Campbell is expected to become the next head coach of the Detroit Lions.
