The San Francisco 49ers are officially in the market for a new defensive coordinator after Robert Saleh accepted the head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans. And while head coach Kyle Shanahan says the team is casting a “wide net,” there’s one name that stands out above the rest: Gus Bradley.
Speaking with reporters, Shanahan didn’t shy away from naming Bradley as the frontrunner. “I’m going to say it’s a wide net, but Gus is the obvious one to everybody and us too,” Shanahan said.
“We will go through the whole process and the requirements we want to do, too. Hope it’s sooner than later.”
Bradley, 57, isn’t just a familiar face-he’s a seasoned defensive mind who’s seen just about every corner of the NFL. His coaching journey started back in 2006 as the Buccaneers’ linebackers coach, but it was his time in Seattle that really put him on the map. As the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, Bradley helped shape the early foundations of what would become the “Legion of Boom,” a defense that redefined physicality and swagger in the modern NFL.
That success earned him a head coaching opportunity with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013. And while his four-year stint in Duval didn’t produce wins-Bradley posted a 14-47 record with no playoff appearances-it did serve as a valuable learning experience in managing a locker room and building a culture, even amid adversity.
After Jacksonville, Bradley found more stability as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator starting in 2017. He was extended after his first year and helped guide a talented group that included stars like Joey Bosa and Derwin James. His defenses were known for being disciplined, assignment-sound units that rarely beat themselves.
Bradley then moved on to Indianapolis, where he served as the Colts’ defensive coordinator. That tenure came to an end last offseason, but it didn’t take long for him to land back on his feet. The 49ers brought him aboard as assistant head coach in February of last year-a move that now looks increasingly like a succession plan in motion.
If Bradley does land the DC job, he’ll inherit a defense that’s been one of the NFL’s best over the past few seasons-fast, aggressive, and stacked with talent at all three levels. The challenge will be maintaining that high standard while putting his own stamp on the unit. Given his experience and familiarity with the current staff, Bradley may be the steady hand Shanahan is looking for.
The 49ers are doing their due diligence, but make no mistake-there’s a clear favorite in the clubhouse. And if Shanahan’s comments are any indication, Gus Bradley could be calling the shots for one of the league’s most fearsome defenses sooner rather than later.