49ers Strengthen Defense with Veteran Coach Gus Bradley

The San Francisco 49ers are stepping up their game by adding another seasoned coach to their defensive staff. According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, long-time defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is set to join Robert Saleh on the 49ers’ coaching roster.

While the specific role Bradley will take on remains unclear, his extensive experience with the Pete Carroll defense— a scheme the 49ers aim to adopt— makes him a valuable asset. Bradley’s ties with Saleh date back to their days with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where Bradley served as head coach and Saleh as the linebackers coach.

Bradley began his journey as an NFL defensive coordinator in 2009 under Jim Mora with the Seattle Seahawks. When Pete Carroll took over as head coach in 2010, Bradley stayed on and played a pivotal role in developing the formidable Legion of Boom defenses. His success continued with stints as DC for the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts, notably turning the Chargers’ defense into a top-10 unit in points allowed during the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Adding Bradley’s veteran perspective could be a game-changer for the 49ers as they seek to innovate and improve their defensive strategies. While assistant head coach Brandon Staley shares a similar role, Bradley’s distinct expertise in the Carroll defense adds a new dimension to the team.

Despite a challenging 2024 season with the Colts, where Bradley’s defense ranked 29th in yards allowed and 24th in points allowed, his unit excelled in takeaways, finishing seventh— a category the 49ers struggled with last year.

As San Francisco looks to bounce back, Bradley’s arrival brings hope and excitement for a stronger, more dynamic defense.