The Tennessee Titans are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff under new head coach Robert Saleh, and the latest addition brings another seasoned voice to the mix. Gus Bradley, one of the NFL’s most experienced defensive minds, is stepping in as the Titans’ new defensive coordinator.
Bradley joins Tennessee after spending 2025 as the assistant head coach of defense for the San Francisco 49ers. That role followed a three-year stint as defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts. His move to Nashville reunites him with Saleh, who also came over from the 49ers after his time as their defensive coordinator earlier in his career.
For the Titans, this hire adds another layer of experience to a staff that’s quickly becoming one of the most battle-tested in the league. Between Saleh, new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and now Bradley, Tennessee boasts three former NFL head coaches on its staff - a rare blend of leadership and perspective that could prove invaluable as the team enters a new era.
Bradley’s coaching résumé is extensive. He led the Jacksonville Jaguars as head coach from 2013 to 2016, though his tenure there was marred by a 14-48 record.
But his defensive acumen has never been in question. He’s held coordinator roles with the Seahawks, Chargers, Raiders, and Colts, and was a key figure in the early days of the Legion of Boom in Seattle.
In San Francisco, Bradley’s primary focus was red zone defense - and while the 49ers’ overall defensive numbers weren’t eye-popping last season (21st against the run, 25th against the pass, and last in sacks), they were quietly effective where it mattered most. The Niners ranked 12th in the league in red zone touchdown percentage allowed, giving up six points on just 53.8% of opponents’ trips inside the 20. That situational strength was no accident.
“Gus helped us a lot figuring out stuff,” 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said. “He had so much knowledge.”
That kind of insight is exactly what the Titans are betting on. Saleh’s defensive philosophy is rooted in discipline, speed, and execution - all traits that align with Bradley’s approach.
While the Titans’ defense has pieces to work with, including a promising young core, there’s no question it needs refinement. Bradley’s task will be to elevate that group, particularly in high-leverage moments where games are won and lost.
With Saleh overseeing the full operation, Daboll dialing up plays on offense, and Bradley anchoring the defense, the Titans are leaning heavily on experience to guide their rebuild. It’s a bold strategy - but given the pedigree of this coaching trio, it’s one that could pay off sooner rather than later.