Jaguars HC Search: Gus Bradley

When you’ve got Monte Kiffin endorsing you, you know you’re doing well.  Source: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars continue their search for a new head coach and have their eye on Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.  The Jaguars have an interview lined up with Bradley by the end of this week.

Bradley has been with Seattle from 2009 until now.  He inherited the 30th ranked defense under Josh Marshall from the 2008 Seahawks and has turned the unit into the most stingy defense in the NFL.  Seattle made the playoffs this season largely due to the success of its defense.

The Seahawks have been a top 10 overall defense the past two seasons after some initial mediocrity in Bradley’s tenure.  Despite lacking major statistical development during his time as DC under head coach Jim Mora, Pete Carroll kept him on when he became head coach.  It has paid dividends for Carroll by providing a superb defense to go with an offense developing under a new, young quarterback.  Bradley’s defense ensured that the Seahawks were in the top 10 in yards differential, despite fielding the 27th ranked passing attack.

Bradley is well regarded in the coaching world and well liked by his players.  He has earned their respect and connects with his players that helps them to overachieve.  Defensive guru Monte Kiffin was quoted in describing Bradley to Mora as saying:

"J.L., listen to me. I have got a guy here in Tampa that is one of, if not, the finest football coaches I have ever worked with. He’s an A-plus. He’s a once-in-a-lifetime coach. You need to talk to him."

He went to Seattle and since then Mora has gone but Bradley remains.

If the Jaguars are looking for a coach who has some clout as well as being an up and comer, then Bradley may be their guy.  He can connect with the players as well as bring in top level coaching talent to the Jaguars. I like that the Jags are bringing him in for an interview and I think he would be do well in his first head coaching stint.  If the Jaguars want him they will have to fend off other teams, like the Philadelphia Eagles (expected to hire soon), who have already gotten an interview or two with him.  (Update: Philadelphia Eagles and Bradley could finalize deal during second “interview” Tuesday)

– Luke N. Sims

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