Kyle Shanahan is facing a pivotal decision this offseason - one that could shape the future of the 49ers' defense and, by extension, the team’s Super Bowl aspirations. All signs are pointing toward Gus Bradley stepping in as San Francisco’s next defensive coordinator. And while Bradley brings plenty of experience, the move raises a fundamental question: is this a step forward, or a step sideways?
Let’s start with what we know. Bradley, who turns 60 soon, has been around the NFL block more than a few times.
He was a key figure in building the Legion of Boom in Seattle, and this past season, he was already in the 49ers’ building, serving as associate head coach. He helped with red-zone defense and was reportedly a strong locker room presence - even known for telling pregame stories to fire up the team.
But when it comes to play-calling, Bradley’s track record in recent years hasn’t exactly screamed innovation. His defenses in Jacksonville, Los Angeles (Chargers), Indianapolis, and Las Vegas have produced mixed results, and fans of those teams would be the first to tell you that the schemes often felt dated.
That’s not to say Bradley can’t succeed in San Francisco. But if the 49ers want to evolve - and stay ahead in a league that’s constantly shifting - they’ll need more than just familiarity.
Look around the NFC West and beyond, and you’ll notice a clear trend: teams are getting younger and more forward-thinking on defense. The Seahawks just hired 38-year-old Mike Macdonald.
The Rams went with 39-year-old Chris Shula. In Detroit, the defensive coordinator is 38.
Dallas? They just brought in a 34-year-old.
These aren’t just young coaches - they’re minds who are pushing the game forward, blending modern coverage concepts with aggressive, flexible fronts.
That’s where the concern with Bradley comes in. He’s long been associated with Cover 3, a scheme that once dominated the league but has since been phased out in favor of more adaptive looks - things like quarters coverage, man-match principles, and simulated pressures.
Even Robert Saleh, who cut his teeth in a similar system, has evolved his approach. So the question becomes: will Bradley adapt?
Or will he stick to what he knows?
He’s had a year inside the 49ers’ building, working alongside current defensive staff and observing what’s worked - and what hasn’t. That experience could give him a leg up.
Then again, his recent stops suggest he’s remained loyal to his foundational schemes. If Shanahan does go with Bradley, the interviews and potential staff additions will be telling.
Will he bring in voices who challenge him? Who modernize the secondary?
Because that’s where the Niners need the most help.
One notable development: defensive backs coach Daniel Bullocks is no longer listed on the team’s website. That’s a potential shakeup, especially considering Bullocks was widely respected and expected to be in the mix for a promotion. If he’s moving on, it opens the door for an outside hire - and with that, an opportunity to bring in a fresh perspective.
One name to watch is Karl Scott. He’s been the Seahawks’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator since 2022, and before that, he spent time under Mike Zimmer in Minnesota and, earlier, on Nick Saban’s staff in the SEC.
Scott specializes in cornerback development, and the growth Seattle’s secondary has shown under his watch has been eye-opening. His approach leans heavily on quarters coverage, and he’s known for teaching the nuances of modern pass defense - from pattern matching to disguise-heavy looks.
Scott also has roots in Ron Roberts’ system, which emphasizes simulated pressures, versatile coverages, and relentless communication. It’s a system designed to confuse quarterbacks and generate turnovers - something the 49ers have struggled with.
This past season, San Francisco finished with just 56 pass breakups, fifth-fewest in the league. Seattle?
They had 96. The Seahawks also picked off 12 more passes than the Niners.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
From a personnel standpoint, the 49ers were at their best when Upton Stout was on the field in Nickel packages - a look they leaned on heavily. Scott just helped turn rookie Nick Emmanwori into a potential Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate after a shaky college career in coverage. That kind of player development - that kind of coaching - is exactly what San Francisco needs on the back end.
Of course, Scott is just one name. Maybe Bradley has a few of his own.
If he gets the job, who he brings in to help reshape the secondary will be just as important as the scheme itself. Because if the 49ers are going to take a leap defensively, it won’t come from standing pat.
It’ll come from evolving - schematically, culturally, and in how they develop talent.
That’s the challenge in front of Shanahan right now. The 49ers aren’t in need of a complete overhaul.
They’re contenders. But in today’s NFL, staying still is the same as falling behind.
This hire isn’t just about filling a vacancy - it’s about showing the league that San Francisco is still willing to adapt, still hungry to improve, and still serious about chasing a championship.
So, does Shanahan play it safe with a familiar voice in Bradley? Or does he take a swing on someone with a fresh perspective like Scott? That answer will tell us a lot about where this franchise is headed.