Gray has some goals left to fulfill in Buffalo!

When a team hires a new head coach in the off-season they typically have a personnel overhaul when it comes to assistant coaches. That didn't happen with the Buffalo Bills. Mike Mularkey became the team's new head coach in January and one of his main goals was to retain the defensive staff. For the most part, he did just that. Mularkey recognized the success that Jerry Gray's unit had in 2003 so when it came to asking him to stay, the decision was easy.
"Jerry's a very important part of this football team," Mularkey said. "As a head coach you have to oversee what's happening with the entire team. I allow the defensive personnel to make a lot of their own decisions because those guys are pros. They know what it takes to be successful and I have complete confidence in our coaching staff."
Gray was hired to be the team's defensive coordinator in 2001 by newly appointed head coach, Gregg Williams. The two had worked together in both Houston and Tennessee with the Oilers/Titans franchise. After the coaching change this off-season Gray said he still had some goals left to fulfill in Buffalo.
"Last year we were the No. 2 defense in the league," Gray said. "It was our goal to finish No. 1 and we didn't quite get there. This year we're making it our goal to be the best and I believe it's something we can achieve with some hard work."
Gray spoke about Mularkey with high regard and is looking forward to a successful campaign in 2004. While former defensive assistant, Dick LeBeau, moved on to Pittsburgh, the defensive staff has mostly remained intact.
Steve Szabo was brought in from New England to coach the defensive backs, with Tim Krumrie and Don Blackmon, among others, staying on staff with Gray.
"It's really important to have most of the coaches coming back this season," Gray said. "It really helps with what we're trying to accomplish. I think our defense is only going to be better now that a lot of us have been working together for a while. I'm looking forward to starting camp."
Linebacker Jeff Posey said having Gray remain is an asset to the team. The defense will continue to dominate with his schemes and packages.
"Having Coach Gray stick around is huge for the defense," Posey said. "He really is the core of our unit. He game plans to the strengths of his players and has us playing as a team and not as individuals."
The Bills defense could also be stronger with the addition of 10-year veteran Jason Gildon. Gildon can play both linebacker and defensive end and Gray said he'll get the maximum potential out of him.
"We'll give him (Gildon) a look at a few different spots," Gray said. "He's a very versatile player that will be able to help our football team. We just need to find the right fit."
Gray should have his defense playing physical, dominant football all season. His preparation and hard work will only make the defense stronger this year.
"We're going to continue to play physical football," Gray said. "We'll punish opponents and try to win the battles at the line of scrimmage."
With some new additions and old faces around the Bills defense, expect this unit to come to play every Sunday, with Jerry Gray leading them into battle.

posted by Anonymous @ 3:04 PM

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