This means that the San Francisco 49ers are breathing new life into their floundering defense! They recently brought Gus Bradley in as assistant head coach for defense. Bradley has deep roots as a DL and DC with Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts from 2017 to 2024. He now joins an O-line that experienced its most challenging season in decades in 2024, eager to share his deep well of experience and knowledge.
This appointment could not have come at a better time for the 49ers. On defense, things were as bad as it came, allowing 25.6 points per game with a minus-57.71 defensive EPA last season. The team is committed to reversing this trend. With his deep roots in defensive coaching, Bradley is just the right guy to take charge of that push.
Bradley has been on an incredible run. It’s a rare feat to have coordinated four distinct top-10 defenses in his career, each leading the nation in at least one major statistical category. Looking back to 2012, Bradley’s defense enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Seattle Seahawks. They led the NFL in scoring defense and were fourth in yards allowed per game. In 2011, it was that same vaunted defense that led the way, finishing seventh in points allowed and ninth in yards allowed.
Most importantly, Bradley has a very close professional past with Robert Saleh, the 49ers’ current head coach. Professionally productive years together originally brought on as a young assistant by Bradley in Seattle, Saleh and Bradley enjoyed two tremendously productive years together. Their obvious chemistry should help create a synchronized effort to inject new life into the team’s defensive scheme.
In a statement announcing their end, Bradley sounded a note consistent with his level of commitment to coaching and the organization. He said,
“I’ve just lived my life saying, it’s my job to be the best I can at this position and give everything I can to this organization and this team, and then do it again tomorrow.” – Gus Bradley
Prior to coming to the 49ers, Bradley was a finalist for the defensive coordinator position with the San Francisco 49ers. His decision to reunite with Saleh might just signal the dawn of a new age for the 49ers’ defense. They have every reason to be keen to make amends in the wake of a woeful campaign.
As Bradley takes the reins, one of his initial priorities will be establishing an identity according to Saleh’s ideals for a defensive scheme. He has dedicated time to studying potential draft prospects while getting acclimated to the specific tactical adjustments Saleh envisions for the defense moving forward. This united, tactical endeavour is intended to encourage a pacier, more counter-attacking type of gameplay from the roster.
“Gus, I have as much respect for as any coach I’ve been around, going against him a ton, how good he has been.” – Kyle Shanahan
Faster decisions I don’t want our players thinking, being robots, Saleh stressed. He stressed the need for agility and adaptability as the most central tenet to their defense.
Bradley’s hiring comes as the 49ers are reportedly interested in bolstering their defensive unit after their dismal performance during the 2022 campaign. The team’s defensive output was much worse than expected, leading to an evaluation of strategy and player personnel. Bradley helps players get back into the zone. They are fiercely competitive and they want to bring pride back to their on-field performance.
Bradley’s roots in coaching run deep. Over the course of his career, he has built networks inside and outside of government. Today, he proudly lives vicariously through the dozens of coaches he mentored who are now enjoying success on their own. His immense experience in fact does two things to boost his credibility – for one, it adds to the foundation that he shares with Saleh.
Reflecting on their professional relationship, Saleh expressed his admiration for Bradley’s impact on his development as a coach:
Prior to his role at the University of Tampa, Bradley was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his 5-year tenure, he produced a disappointing 20-36 record before being fired in October. Injuries aside, his impact as a defensive coach has been noted throughout the league.
“I’ve been with Gus for a long time and just [have] so much respect for him.” – Robert Saleh
As the 49ers embark on this new chapter with Bradley at the helm of their defensive unit, expectations will be high. Eager to restore the team’s favorite defensive identity and reestablish the team’s competitive culture after years of straying from that пути. Regardless, Bradley has a wealth of experience and has developed a great relationship with Saleh. By making this connection, the 49ers are poised to completely shift the way they play defense.
As the 49ers embark on this new chapter with Bradley at the helm of their defensive unit, expectations will be high. The team looks forward to rejuvenating its defense and returning to its competitive roots. With Bradley’s extensive experience and established rapport with Saleh, the 49ers are poised for transformative changes in their approach to defense.
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