"Gray joined Atlanta in 2023 under Arthur Smith and Ryan Nielsen and helped the Falcons pull together quality pass defenses in two of his three years here, including last year with Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator. Despite having to work with three different coordinators, Gray was an experienced, stabilizing force for the defense, especially the secondary. It's easy to see why Morris was eager to poach him, especially since he's joining a San Francisco team that has cycled defensive coaches in recent years."
"I mentioned that secondary coach Justin Hood, who the Falcons blocked from interviewing for at least one other position, would be a strong bet to fill Rutenberg's shoes as passing game coordinator and am fairly convinced that's a role he'll end up getting. It's less clear whether Gray's direct role as assistant head coach for the defense will be filled, but the Falcons undoubtedly will try to add more experience to the staff regardless of the title."
Mike Rutenberg left the Falcons to become the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, and Jerry Gray departed to join the San Francisco 49ers as defensive backs coach under Raheem Morris. Both departures remove experienced assistants who played key roles in the Falcons' pass defense. Gray helped the Falcons assemble quality pass defenses across multiple coordinators and provided stability particularly in the secondary. Rutenberg and Gray are unlikely to be easily replaced. Secondary coach Justin Hood is a strong candidate to become passing game coordinator. The Falcons may not fill Gray's assistant head coach title but will seek added experience on staff.
Read at The Falcoholic
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