Packers Hiring Former Vikings DBs Coach Jerry Gray
The Green Bay Packers are making some changes on the defensive side of the ball after a rough exit from the postseason.
Mike Pettine remains the defensive coordinator, but a veteran coach is joining his staff to serve as a new voice.
#Packers coach Matt LaFleur is hiring former #Vikings DBs coach Jerry Gray to be his secondary coach, according to a source. Gray doesn't come from the Mike Pettine system and will have strong opinions on how to play defense after being a coordinator in two different places.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) January 28, 2020
Jerry Gray comes in as the new defensive backs coach after holding the same position with the Minnesota Vikings from 2014-2019. He has also been a defensive coordinator twice in his career. The first stint came with the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2005, and the second came with the Tennessee Titans from 2011-2013.
Team News The Packers are hiring Jerry Gray as their defensive backs coach, per Tom Silverstein.
— Sportsnews298 (@Sportsnews298) January 28, 2020
Gray, 57, served as the Vikings’ defensive backs coach the last six seasons.
The Vikings parted ways with Gray after their divisional playoff loss to the 49ers. pic.twitter.com/1yde8GxK51
Gray was a four-time Pro Bowler as a player and brings plenty of experience to Matt LaFleur's coaching staff. He may be the defensive coordinator in waiting if there is indeed a short leash with Pettine.
Both the Vikings and the Packers had defensive breakdowns against the San Francisco 49ers this postseason. The Packers are hoping Gray's new way of thinking can help extend the team's championship window.