USA Today Network

Lake Explains Why Falcons Kept Gray on Morris's Staff

Originally posted on FanNation Falcon Report
By Harrison Reno | Last updated 2/20/24

New Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris has filled out his coaching staff, which includes assistant head coach/defense Jerry Gray.

The 61-year-old joined the Falcons staff under then-coach Arthur Smith last offseason, helped in a hands-on role with the secondary, and assisted defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen in the game-planning process.

Now, even after the departure of both Smith and Nielsen, he is one of the few coaches Morris decided to retain.

“We watched the film. I texted Raheem. I was like, ‘These DBs are coached up.’ ... They know how to attack the ball, but then, of course, we have to do our due diligence, and we have to go interview all of the coaches, which we did," Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake said. "I’ve got tremendous respect for Jerry Gray, everything he’s done in this league as a player and a coach, and he knocked the interview out of the ballpark, which you could probably see with what happened."

The improvement of the Falcons' secondary was an integral part of the defense's overall performance. When Gray was hired by the Falcons last offseason, he inherited a secondary that was one of the worst in the league, allowing 240.59 yards per game, ranking them at No. 25.

Then, after an offseason that saw the Falcons make the big signing of the now two-time second-team All-Pro safety, Jessie Bates, along with the work of Gray and others, the Falcons defense finished last season No. 8 in passing yards allowed per game.

Now, working under Morris and a new defensive coordinator, Lake, Gray will look to build off the platform that he's already helped put in place.

This article first appeared on FanNation Falcon Report and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: