The Indianapolis Colts announced on Monday that they have parted ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who held the position for the past three seasons. According to league sources, Bradley’s three-year contract expired at the end of the 2024 season, and the team decided not to renew it.
“I’m appreciative of Gus and the commitment he made to the Colts,” head coach Shane Steichen said in a statement. “He is a man of great character, and I have the utmost respect for him. I felt like we needed to move in a different direction. I wish Gus and his family all the best moving forward.”
This decision follows Colts owner Jim Irsay’s announcement that Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard will return for the 2025 season. The Colts wrapped up their season with an 8-9 record after an overtime win against the Jacksonville Jaguars but failed to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
Despite a slight improvement in defensive performance—moving from 28th in points allowed per game in 2022 and 2023 to 24th in 2024—the Colts still gave up 25.1 points per game, tied for the worst in Bradley’s tenure. Late-season struggles were evident, with the defense allowing 30 or more points in three of the final four games, including a 45-point performance by the New York Giants in Week 17, a game marred by missed tackles and blown assignments.
Bradley acknowledged responsibility for the poor showing, stating, “The overall performance on Sunday was embarrassing, and as a leader, it’s my responsibility for our overall play. It’s our job to put players in position to succeed, and we didn’t get that done.”
Linebacker E.J. Speed, an impending free agent, expressed optimism about the potential for change, saying, “The sky is the limit for this defense, whether it’s with Gus or another coordinator. We’ve got enough heart here to get the job done and become a top defense.”
Bradley was originally hired by former Colts head coach Frank Reich in 2022 after Matt Eberflus left for the Chicago Bears. Steichen retained Bradley for the past two seasons to provide continuity and veteran leadership. However, the team’s defensive rankings steadily declined, culminating in a 2024 campaign where the unit ranked 25th in sacks (36), 29th in yards allowed per game (361.2), and 24th in points allowed (427).
Team captain and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner called this year’s defense the worst he has been a part of since joining the Colts in 2020. While he acknowledged coaching issues, Buckner also pointed to player egos as a contributing factor, emphasizing the importance of team unity and sacrifice.
Bradley, a veteran defensive coach, has had stints as defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders, as well as a head coaching tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars (14-48 record). His extensive experience could make him a sought-after candidate for teams seeking a seasoned defensive assistant.
The next Colts defensive coordinator will inherit a unit featuring standout players such as Zaire Franklin, the NFL’s leading tackler, DeForest Buckner, edge rusher Kwity Paye, 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu, defensive back Kenny Moore II, and safety Nick Cross.
Leave a Reply