Falcons, Raheem Morris Retain Assistant Coach Jerry Gray
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris continues to fill out his first group of assistants - and is retaining another member of the previous staff.
The Falcons have given Jerry Gray, the assistant head coach/defense last season, an extension that keeps him on Morris's staff moving forward, according to NFL Network.
Gray's specific role under Morris hasn't yet been announced.
Atlanta Falcons assistant coach Jerry Gray.
Credit: AtlantaFalcons.Com
This past season, Gray worked hands-on with Atlanta's secondary and assisted then-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen in game-planning and play-calling.
Gray, who was hired last spring by then-Falcons head coach Arthur Smith after two years with the Green Bay Packers, helped safety Jessie Bates III make his first career Pro Bowl and earn second-team All-Pro honors.
Gray also oversaw the development of rookie defensive backs Clark Phillips III and DeMarcco Hellams, who went from Day 3 draft picks to starters by season's end.
Smith often raved about Gray's teaching skills and versatility within schemes, and his background as a four-time Pro Bowl defensive back only enhances his ability to connect with players.
"He's got a wealth of knowledge," Smith said. "Certainly, Jerry as a player, having played different spots, different schemes. Some guys, whether they played at any level, they try to relate too much about, 'oh, this is how I did it.' It's not one size fits all.
"Things he's taught me along the way, and where he's at now, he's in a very different spot. He's never stopped learning, and it's refreshing when you get to work with people like that."
Gray joins defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, previously the Los Angeles Rams' assistant head coach, on Morris's defensive staff.
Offensively, the Falcons hired former Rams quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator Zac Robinson while retaining offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, running backs coach Michael Pitre and receivers coach TJ Yates, who will be transitioning to quarterbacks coach this season.
The Falcons also retained special teams coordinator Marquice Williams, creating lots of continuity from the previous staff.
Morris is set to speak with reporters to further explain the moves Monday, Feb. 5, inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
