Jerry Gray leaves Packers to join Falcons
Green Bay's defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator had been on Matt LaFleur's staff since 2020.
By PackerAaron
The Packers are losing their defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator in Jerry Gray, who has accepted a position on Arthur Smith's staff in Atlanta.
The #Falcons are working on a deal with veteran defensive coach Jerry Gray to join new coordinator Ryan Nielsen, sources say. Gray, who has been with the #Packers the past three seasons as DBs coach/pass game coordinator, coached with Arthur Smith in Washington 2007-08.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 29, 2023
Gray had reportedly reached the end of his contract with the Packers. There's no word on whether or not Matt LaFleur and his defensive coordinator, Joe Barry, made any kind of attempt to keep Gray in Green Bay.
Prior to his time with the Packers, Gray was the defensive backs coach in Minnesota for six seasons. He's also been a defensive coordinator twice, having led the defense for both the Titans and Bills.
This past May, Gray represented the Packers at the NFL's inaugural Coach and Front Office Accelerator in Atlanta, which brought together 60 diverse head coach and general manager prospects from all clubs.
As for the Packers going forward, Matt LaFleur could either promote from within, such as possibly expanding safeties coach Ryan Downard's responsibilities, or look outside the building while many coaches are making the rounds interviewing for new opportunities.
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Comments (21)
Hannahrm
January 28, 2023 at 09:34 pm
How about some Jim Leonard action? DB coach and DC in waiting, once the Barry experiment reaches its expiration date.
SinceLombardi
January 29, 2023 at 05:57 am
It’s past the date
dobber
January 29, 2023 at 03:03 pm
Seems like an obvious pairing...and it's been decidedly quiet with Leonhard, who should be in demand--at least on the college level.
13TimeChamps
January 29, 2023 at 03:19 pm
My thoughts as well. It's obvious that Leonhard is the consensus favorite on this site, but I struggle to understand why exactly. Has ANY other NFL team, other than the Packers, reached out to him for any available coaching openings? He was passed over for the Badgers HC position. For whatever reason, he doesn't seem to be in great demand, certainly on the NFL level anyway. It would be interesting to find out why.
splitpea1
January 28, 2023 at 09:57 pm
No promotions from within. Downard has experience as an assistant DB and safeties coach, but whether that's enough for a promotion I'm not sure. This is an important job, so it's imperative that MLF perform his due diligence and not be seduced by familiarity.
PatrickGB
January 29, 2023 at 10:33 am
My thoughts exactly. But who is out there? Probably some fired coach or someone Matt knows from some other stop.
jurp
January 29, 2023 at 10:48 am
"it's imperative that MLF perform his due diligence and not be seduced by familiarity."
I agree with you, but I don't think that LaFuckup knows what "due diligence' actually means. He'll promote from within or hire one his own or one of Barry's buddies.
NickPerry
January 29, 2023 at 06:29 am
Well shit, they just lost their BEST Defensive Coach.
NO, please DO NOT promote from within. Hannahrm suggested Jim Leonard. I'd be down with that although I wonder if Leonard would. It's too bad MLF didn't fire Barry the moment the season ended and went after Leonard again. A day late and a dollar short will be just one of the MLF mantra's once he's finally gone.
jurp
January 29, 2023 at 10:52 am
LaFuckup's complete lack of self-awareness regarding is own weaknesses, his lack of strategic thinking, and his complete lack of analytical ability are appalling. "LaFleur's Three Lacks", so to speak.
Since'61
January 29, 2023 at 08:40 am
How the Packers go about replacing Johnnie Gray should be fun to watch. Bumbling, Fumbling, Rumbling, Stumbling. Thanks, Since '61
jannesbjornson
January 29, 2023 at 11:02 am
Maybe the guy gets a 15 min Interview at the airport and they bring him onboard.
Since'61
January 29, 2023 at 11:29 am
I thinking a cup of coffee should do it. The decision will be based upon how he likes his coffee. Based on what we have seen from previous hiring decisions I doubt that they have any actual criteria for their hiring choices.
Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
January 29, 2023 at 11:24 am
Who would want to be Barry’s deputy? Is LaFleur a draw or a disincentive on top of that? Surely both could be seen as questionable long term.
Since'61
January 29, 2023 at 11:26 am
LaChooch and Barry should both be on their third envelope for the 2023 season. Thanks, Since '61
PatrickGB
January 29, 2023 at 10:30 am
Last I read was that they were “working on a deal”. So, has he actually been hired?
harleycops
January 29, 2023 at 11:21 am
Why does LaFloozey always have to promote from within. Get some gonads and make a hire that will ramp up the DBs, someone who can kick butt and create a first-line Dbackfield. This from within stuff is only an attempt to keep the "yes" men on staff so LFl doesn't have to change much when an objective opinion comes from a new coach. Gray was good and now gone. Barry is bad and now remains. Why?
Turophile
January 29, 2023 at 01:23 pm
I'd say the wrong guy has gone. I'd rather have Gray than Barry, as DC (and we know they clashed over how the D was run).
the Packers must reverse the trend of getting worse as we replace guys that are promoted elsewhere............... and keeping coaches no-one else wants.
NJ-RICK
January 29, 2023 at 03:08 pm
I don't blame him this team is on a downward spiral... Without talented veteran WR's & TE's this team is going no where. Doesn't matter who the QB is AR12 or Love the team lacks talented ball players on O&D. Clean out the people in the front office this is there mess...
coolhand
January 29, 2023 at 05:14 pm
Gray is smart and gets out while the gettin' is good before his rep is completely destroyed working under Barry.
BirdDogUni
January 30, 2023 at 11:31 am
LMAO... I should've read this one before I commented. (Great minds think alike!)
BirdDogUni
January 30, 2023 at 10:57 am
Gray getting, while the getting is good...
Don't blame him a bit.