The Green Bay Packers have interviewed at least two outside candidates as coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine attempt to replace departing defensive backs coach Jason Simmons.
According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Packers interviewed long-time defensive backs coach Tony Oden, who spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Silverstein also reported the Packers interviewed former Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Jerry Gray.
Oden has coached in the NFL in some capacity since 2004. He spent time with the Houston Texans (2004-05), New Orleans Saints (2006-11), Jacksonville Jaguars (2012), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013) and Detroit Lions (2014-17).
Oden won the Super Bowl as a member of the Saints staff following the 2009 season.
Oden has coached top-level cornerbacks such as Darrelle Revis (Buccaneers, 2013), Darius Slay (2014-17) and Xavien Howard (2018-19). The Dolphins intercepted 21 passes under Oden’s supervision in 2018, while the Lions finished in the top five in interceptions during three of Oden’s five seasons.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores retained Oden for 2019 but let him go following this season.
The Packers are looking to replace Simmons, who is accepting a job with the Carolina Panthers.
The experience of Oden and Gray could be useful as the Packers attempt to maximize the development of a young secondary led the Jaire Alexander, Kevin King and Darnell Savage.
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