Green Bay Packers defensive backs/passing game coordinator Jerry Gray NP NAME-USA TODAY NETWORK

Packers reportedly losing key member of defensive-coaching staff

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/30/23

Green Bay Packers fans wanted to see change with the team’s defensive-coaching staff come 2023. However, the coach reportedly leaving wasn’t who they had in mind.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Packers defensive-backs coach and pass-game coordinator Jerry Gray plans to leave Green Bay to join the Atlanta Falcons and new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.

Gray and Smith were also together with the #Titans. @RobDemovsky recently reported Gray isn’t under contract for 2023, so he’d be free to leave Green Bay.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 29, 2023

His departure likely ensures that Joe Barry stays on as defensive coordinator, much to the dismay of Packers fans.

Gray, who has eight years of experience as a defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans, interviewed for the same position with the Falcons before Nielsen was hired. He also interviewed for the DC job with the Packers in 2021 before it was given to Barry.

Gray has been a part of 11 defenses that ranked in the top 10 overall and 10 defenses that ranked in the top 10 in scoring.

Under his tutelage, the Packers secondary ranked in the top 10 each of the last three seasons, including sixth this year. Cornerback Jaire Alexander earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in Gray’s first season coaching the secondary.

Green Bay was tied for the fourth-most interceptions this season (17), and the team has recorded double-digit interceptions in each of Gray’s three seasons.

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