For Green Bay Packers defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Jerry Gray has accepted a new job. His new role with the Atlanta Falcons is being called assistant head coach/defense. Arthur Smith is the Falcons’ head coach and Ryan Nielson is the team’s defensive coordinator. It would appear, though, that Gray will have significant input in defensive schemes, something he did not have in Green Bay. In fact, ESPN’s Rob Demovsky shared that Gray was so against the Joe Barry’s defensive scheme that he started doing his own thing with the defensive backs.
Jerry Gray Deviated from Joe Barry’s Scheme
When the news broke that Jerry Gray had accepted a new job with the Falcons, Demovsky tweeted the following:
Gray had let his contract run out with the Packers and was free to pursue other opportunities.
He was GB's defensive backs/passing game coordinator and very popular with the DBs.
Also went out of his way last year to distance himself from Joe Barry's scheme. A bold approach. https://t.co/GTgVeoubJF
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 31, 2023
This past season, Green Bay’s passing defense was certainly one of its strengths. Jaire Alexander made the Pro Bowl and was a Second-Team All-Pro. Last year, Gray helped rookie cornerback Eric Stokes become one of the bet corners in the NFL. He also helped Rasul Douglas resurrect his career.
Of course, Green Bay has not yet found a replacement for Gray. It is interesting to wonder, though, if having a defensive back coach that buys into Barry’s system will improve the defense at all.
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1 Comment
The whole Defense is a mess and Lafleur to blame. Why not go get a stud defensive mind to coach the D, instead we are stuck with Lafleurs looser friend Barry