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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks

Alex Gray

Become a Blue Streak

Alex Gray completed his first year as the defensive coordinator for the Blue Streaks in 2024. 

In his first season as coordinator, Grays leadership on defense saw a multitude of players selected for All-OAC teams. Graduate Student Tyler Thimons made All-OAC First team while recording 74 tackles at linebacker. Jacob Hufnagel and Lamar Thomas were both named to the All-OAC second team after their performance in the secondary this season. 

Under Grays tutelage this season, JCU ranked second in the OAC in pass efficiency defense. They also ranked third in the OAC in rushing defense, scoring defense red zone defense, and total defense.

Bringing over 20 years of coaching experience, including 11 seasons of experience as a coordinator.

Gray is a native Clevelander, growing up just 10 minutes away from John Carroll. Gray graduated from Orange High School in 2000 before heading to play football at Walsh University. 

Gray’s resume is filled with positive experiences at the various schools he’s coached for over the year. Most recently, Gray spent a five-year stint at St. Thomas in Miami Gardens, Florida. Gray served as assistant head coach/defensive coordinator/assistant athletic director. During his time with the Bobcats, Gray worked on the same staff as former JCU head coach Regis Scafe and current JCU quarterbacks coach Ron Dolciato. 

The Bobcats achieved plenty during Gray’s tenure, including the program’s first playoff appearance. Gray’s defenses ranked highly nationally in the NAIA in several stat categories, including sixth in rush yards per game this past season. The Bobcats topped the Sun Conference in scoring defense, red zone defense, and sacks. 

Prior to St. Thomas, Gray coached alongside Bill Rychel at Wayne State University (wide receivers/co-special teams in 2017), Malone University (defensive coordinator in 2016), and nearby Notre Dame College (co-defensive coordinator/defensive backs from 2013-15). 

Gray’s coaching career began at Walsh University in 2005. After coaching at Orange, Gray returned to Walsh for a three-year stint from 2008-10. He also spent the 2011 season at Springfield High School as defensive coordinator, the 2012 campaign at Hiram as defensive backs/outside linebackers coach, and the 2018 season at Army West Point Prep School as defensive coordinator. 
 

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