Mike Caldwell fired: 4 DC replacements Jacksonville Jaguars should sign in a hurry

3. Jerry Gray, Falcons assistant head caoch/defense

This year's Black Monday started at 12 a.m., with the Atlanta Falcons moving on from head coach Arthur Smith, who thrived as the Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator but couldn't get the most out of a group of skilled position players that included tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson. Most of Smith's staff will also be let go, which means veteran coach Jerry Gray will be available.

Gray is an NFL lifer, having gotten his start as a first-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2015 draft. Once he wrapped up his playing career, he became a defensive backs coach at SMU. He then accepted the same position with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent the 1999-2000 seasons. The Texans then had stints with the Buffalo Bills, the Washington Commanders, and the Seattle Seahawks before returning to the Titans and becoming the defensive coordinator in 2011-2013.

After his two-year stint in Tennessee, Gray was the defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2014-2019. He then held the same position for the Green Bay Packers in 2020 and filled the role of passing game coordinator the next two seasons.

Gray uses a no-nonsense approach to empower his players. Rasul Douglas, a journeyman cornerback before joining the Packers, credits his former position coach for helping him turn into a Pro Bowl-caliber player. He also untapped Jaire Alexander's talent. If given the chance, maybe he can do the same with Tyson Campbell, Darious Williams (if he returns), and the rest of the Jaguars' young cornerback room.