Torrian Gray Defensive Backfield Coach

Former Virginia Tech defensive standout and NFL product Torrian Gray, who is in his fifth season as the Hokies’ defensive backfield coach, has made an immediate impact on Tech’s defense.

Last year, his group finished 11th in the country in pass defense and eighth in pass efficiency defense and was led by eventual NFL draft pick Kam Chancellor. In 2008, led by All-American Victor Harris, Gray’s secondary was ranked among the nation’s leaders in pass defense (129.1 ypg) and interceptions (20).

In 2007, Gray oversaw a pass efficiency defense ranked fifth in the country, led by three All-ACC performers in Harris, Brandon Flowers and D.J. Parker. Flowers thrived under Gray, earning All-America honors for the second time, including first-team honors en route to becoming a second-round pick in the NFL Draft.

In 2006, Gray led a secondary that ranked as the nation’s No. 1 pass defense and the No. 2 team in pass efficiency defense. 

Prior to coming to Blacksburg, Gray spent the previous two seasons as assistant defensive backs coach with the NFL’s Chicago Bears. During the 2005 season, the Bears ranked fifth in the NFL in passing defense, allowing just 179.5 yards per game, and finished tied for second in interceptions (24). Defensive backs Nathan Vasher and Mike Brown were both elected to the Pro Bowl as Chicago posted an 11-6 record and won the NFC North Division. In 2004, the Bears recorded 29 total takeaways and set a team record with six defensive touchdowns, including four by defensive backs.

Gray began his coaching career at the University of Maine, serving as defensive backs coach for two seasons (2000-01). Gray spent the 2002 and 2003 seasons as defensive backs coach at the University of Connecticut. While there, the UConn defense ranked among the nation’s best despite moving up to Division I-A in 2002.

During his playing career at Virginia Tech (1992-96), Gray helped the Hokies to four consecutive bowls for the first time in school history. He played on 97 percent of the Hokies’ defensive plays over his last three seasons, starting at rover in 1994 and ’95, and handling the starting free safety duties in 1996. 

Gray was named All-BIG EAST all three seasons and helped Tech to conference championships his last two years. He shared the team lead in interceptions in both 1993 and 1994 and was named the Hokies’ Outstanding Defensive Back in 1996. Gray earned a bachelor’s degree in consumer studies from Tech.

Gray was drafted in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft (49th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings. He started five games as a rookie, including two playoff contests. He contributed as a starter in the nickel package and as a special teams player before retiring in the spring of 2000 due to a knee injury. The Vikings advanced to the playoffs in each of his three seasons.

A native of Lakeland, Fla., Gray has a daughter, Tori, who is 12.