Niners Nation
Gus Bradley worked with Robert Saleh in Seattle and Jacksonville. Now, the two reunite on the 49ers staff
The San Francisco 49ers added a defensive assistant to the staff on Friday morning. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Niners are hiring long-time defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to the staff.
Bradley was the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts for the previous three seasons. Under Bradley, the Colts went from 10th to 5th in sacks in the first two seasons. This past season, They fell to 25th. They were also 24th in points allowed and 29th in yards allowed per game.
Bradley has an extensive history as a defensive coordinator in the NFL. He first became a DC during the early “Legion of Boom” days in Seattle, where he worked from 2009 to 2012.
Saleh was a defensive quality control coach with Seattle during Bradley’s days. Then, when Bradley was the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2013-2016, Saleh served under Bradley as the linebackers coach. Now, Saleh returns the favor and brings Bradley back on as an assistant.
We don’t know what Bradley’s specific role will be, but if Brandon Staley is out, Bradley figures to take on whatever game-planning or schematic roles Staley was handling. The difference is Saleh and Bradley have a history together, so communication and being on the same page makes for an easier transition.
