The Tennessee Titans are turning the page defensively-and they’re doing it with a familiar face. Gus Bradley, one of the NFL’s most experienced defensive minds, is headed to Nashville to join Robert Saleh’s staff as defensive coordinator, reuniting with a coach who knows exactly what he’s getting.
Bradley’s move from San Francisco to Tennessee had been in the works for a while. Once Saleh accepted the Titans’ head coaching job, Bradley quickly emerged as the top candidate to lead the defense.
The two worked closely during their shared time with the 49ers, navigating a young, injury-riddled unit through some tough stretches. The results weren’t always perfect, but the process clearly left an impression-Saleh saw firsthand how Bradley could keep a defense steady even when the pieces were constantly shifting.
Bradley spent the 2025 season as the 49ers’ assistant head coach for defense, and head coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t hide his respect for him, even calling him an “obvious” option to take over as defensive coordinator. But when San Francisco opted to go with Raheem Morris instead, it opened the door for Bradley to follow Saleh to Tennessee.
This isn’t just a reunion-it’s a strategic move. Saleh has made it clear he wants continuity in how the defense communicates and operates.
Bradley brings that, along with a deep understanding of the system Saleh wants to run. While Saleh will retain play-calling duties on defense, Bradley’s presence is expected to be a steadying force for a Titans defense that’s been anything but consistent in recent years.
And let’s be clear-Bradley’s résumé speaks volumes. At 59, he’s held DC roles with four different teams: Seattle, Los Angeles (Chargers), Las Vegas, and Indianapolis.
His work with the Seahawks from 2009 to 2012 helped build the foundation for the “Legion of Boom,” a defense that redefined physicality and speed in the modern NFL. That early success established Bradley as a coach who knows how to develop talent and build a culture.
The numbers back it up. Bradley has led top-10 defenses in points allowed four times and in yards allowed six times.
That kind of track record is exactly what the Titans need after a rough 2025 season that saw them finish 28th in points allowed and 21st in total yards allowed. The year before was even more of a head-scratcher-Tennessee gave up the second-fewest yards in the league but still ranked near the bottom in scoring defense.
That kind of disconnect points to breakdowns in situational football, something Bradley has historically cleaned up wherever he’s gone.
There’s talent in place, too. Jeffery Simmons remains a dominant force up front, a true All-Pro anchor who can wreck a game from the interior.
Linebacker Cedric Gray has emerged as a tackling machine and one of the most dependable young defenders in the league. With those pieces and Bradley’s system in place, the Titans have a real shot to flip the script on defense.
This hire isn’t just about familiarity-it’s about trust, experience, and a shared vision. Saleh and Bradley have been through the fire together, and now they’re tasked with building something new in Tennessee. If history is any indication, they might just have the blueprint to pull it off.