Gus Bradley

Defensive Coordinator

UPDATE:

Gus Bradley was hired in 2022 as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.

After a season filled with strife and a 10-7-0 record, Gus Bradley went out with the Jon Gruden coaching staff. Gus Bradley helped to hold the Raiders together in 2021, but it was a rough ride. The Colts hired Gus Bradley in February 2022.

Original Gus Bradley Bio: Hopefully, Gus Bradley is going to pull the Raider’s defense together. Coach Gruden hired Gus Bradley to be the Raiders’ Defensive Coordinator in January 2021. The Raiders Organization thinks he is a key factor in 2021 for a winning season.

Coach Bradley is another coach from Gruden’s past. In 2006, Gus Bradley was hired by Coach Gruden and the Buccaneers to be their Defensive Quality Control Coach. A year later, he was promoted to Linebacker Coach. Since then, Gus Bradley’s resume has gotten more and more impressive.

Before coaching at Tampa Bay, Gus Bradley was a Defensive Coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. During his first year there, he took Seattle’s Defense from the Bottom 5 in the league to the Top 5. They also were the #1 scoring defense during the 2012 season.

After coaching in Tampa Bay, the Jacksonville Jaguars hired Coach Bradley as their Head Coach from 2013-2016. Eventually fired at the end of 2016, Gus was then hired by the San Diego Chargers. During his first year as the Chargers’ Defensive Coordinator, the team had the 3rd ranked defense in the league in 2018.

Gus Bradley Raiders Head Coach defensive coordinator

Did You Know?

The Early Years of Gus Bradley – NFL Coach

Gus Bradley, born as Paul Casey Bradley, grew up in the small town of Zumbrota, Minnesota, as the youngest of six children. With a large family and plenty of competition at home, it was almost inevitable that football would become a major part of his life. In a household full of athletes, they practically had their own family football team, which likely played a role in shaping Gus’s natural defensive instincts and love for the game.

Beyond the gridiron, Gus is a dedicated family man. He is married to Michaela Bradley, and together they have four children who are either grown or nearing adulthood. While his coaching career has taken him across the country, from college football to the NFL, his strong family foundation and Midwestern roots have remained central to his journey.

Gus Bradley’s Impact on the Las Vegas Raiders

In 2021, Gus Bradley took on the role of defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing his aggressive yet disciplined defensive philosophy to the team. Under his leadership, the Raiders’ defense saw significant improvements, particularly in pass coverage and tackling efficiency. Bradley played a key role in developing young defensive stars like Maxx Crosby and Trevon Moehrig, helping the team secure a playoff berth in the 2021 season. His emphasis on creating a fast, high-energy defense made a lasting impact, even after he moved on to his next coaching opportunity.

5 Facts About Gus Bradley’s Time with the Las Vegas Raiders

Hired as Defensive Coordinator in 2021

Gus Bradley joined the Las Vegas Raiders as their defensive coordinator in January 2021 under head coach Jon Gruden. He was brought in to revamp the struggling Raiders defense after his tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Improved the Raiders’ Defense

Under Bradley’s leadership, the Raiders’ defense showed notable improvements, ranking 14th in total defense in 2021 compared to 25th in 2020. His Cover 3 defensive scheme helped solidify the secondary and create a more disciplined unit.

Maxx Crosby's Breakout Season

One of the biggest success stories during Bradley’s time in Las Vegas was Maxx Crosby’s breakout season in 2021. Crosby recorded 8 sacks, 30 QB hits, and earned a Pro Bowl selection, thriving in Bradley’s system.

Led the Raiders to a Playoff Berth

In his lone season with the team, Bradley helped the Raiders reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The defense played a crucial role in their 10-7 record, securing a Wild Card spot despite midseason turmoil.

Left for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022

After the Raiders changed coaching staff in 2022, Bradley moved on to become the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, bringing his signature zone-heavy defensive philosophy with him.