Three Reasons Why Gus Bradley May Be Back In 2017
By Larry Brake
Gus Bradley has the worst NFL record for any head coach in history. There are a few reasons why Bradley may be back.
The new Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan did not like the direction of his team. He fired the head coach and general manager for reasons of his own. Jacksonville finished 2012 with a 2-14 record.
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He hired Dave Caldwell as his new general manager.
agreed to make
the new head coach. The trio agreed to a four year plan to rebuild Jacksonville into a competitive playoff team.
In year one, the Jaguars finished with a record of 4-12. Quarterback Chad Henne, running back Maurice Jones-Drew, and wide receiver Cecil Shorts III were his offensive firepower. Paul Posluszny led the defense in tackles.
The Blake Bortles era began in year two. The NFL draft brought Bortles, Marquise Lee, Allen Robinson and Brandon Linder to the Jaguar offense. Aaron Colvin and Telvin Smith were drafted to begin re-building the defense.
Last year, the Jaguars finished 5-11 and it appeared the plan was working. Bortles set new franchise passing records. The draft added more young talent.
Currently the Jaguars are 2-10 with four games left to play. Bortles is not the same player that he was last year. Most noteworthy, key injuries are one of many reasons why the Jaguars are losing.
Three Reasons Why Bradley Might Be Back
First, reporters asked Caldwell about winning in 2016 and expectations,
"“Our pressure comes from within. … We’ve been doing this for four years, and to have a winning record is probably a reasonable expectation. I think [Khan] will make a decision at the end of 16 games and say it’s the direction he likes or doesn’t.”"
Second, the Jaguars are following the plan.
"” His plan: Focus on stringing together good drafts to build a young core. Supplement with undrafted rookies and B-tier veterans. Eschew big-ticket free agents and conserve salary cap space until Years 3 and 4,…”"
Jacksonville is currently $39 million under the salary cap for 2016.
Third, Khan has his reasons for following the plan,
"“I’m not saying, ‘If we win, this is the blueprint for everybody.’ It’s the blueprint for us,” Khan said. “Now, we have the talent in place, and I think if you are a Jaguars fan, you should be excited and you should have some expectations that we’re going to be a sustainable, winning organization now. “I have expectations that not only are we going to be better, but we’re going to be sustainable and this isn’t going to be a flash in the pan where we’re just going to flame out.”"
Do not be surprised if Gus Bradley is the head coach in 2017. Year five is one of the reasons why Bradley has not been fired.