Former Titans DC Jerry Gray Is Vikings’ Defensive Backs Coach

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) is tackled by Minnesota Vikings cornerback Xavier Rhodes (29) and safety Andrew Sendejo (34) during overtime at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings have brought in another experienced coach to fill out Mike Zimmer’s staff. Alex Marvez reports that Minnesota has hired former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray to fill the role of defensive backs coach under DC George Edwards.

A former NFL defensive back himself, Gray has had coaching stops in Buffalo, Washington and Seattle along the way, as well as a stint with the Texas Longhorns. He’s been a DC twice, in Tennessee the last few years and in Buffalo from 2001-2005, but otherwise he’s coached secondary.

Gray came under some fire in Tennessee for his defensive playcalling, and was fined on a couple of occasions for making arguably imprudent public comments. It’s possible the DC job may have been a little overwhelming for him in Tennessee, but now he’s back to being a positional coach.

Gray replaces Joe Woods who worked 8 years for the Vikings. There are some good young DBs in Minnesota, including Harrison Smith and Xavier Rhodes, but there are also some holes to fill in that secondary.

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