Jaguars hire Gus Bradley as head coach

Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is heading to Jacksonville as the new Jaguars head coach a few short hours after he was almost snatched up by the Philadelphia Eagles.

We first reported on Jacksonville's Morning News the hire came after an interview Wednesday.  The Jaguars twitter feed tweeted just before 11 a.m. Thursday officially confirming the hire.  Bradley had previously interviewed for the head coaching job in Philadelphia before now former University of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly came in and took the job instead.

“I had faith that Dave would make an outstanding hire, and my faith has been rewarded," says Jaguars owner Shad Khan in a statement obtained by WOKV.  "Gus Bradley is perfect for our franchise.  The energy he will immediately bring is incredible and I am confident the victories will follow.”

The 46-year-old Bradley has spent the past four years as Seattle's defensive coordinator.  He is the first big hire by new general manager David Caldwell.  Bradley brings a fiery personality to the sideline and according to Jaguars reporter Brent Martineau with our news partner Action News, he's the kind of coach who will get into the faces of his players, contrasting the more even keel demeanor of former head coach Mike Mularkey.  Bradley also survived a coaching change, coming to the team during Jim Mora's tenure as head coach and then was kept on the staff when Seattle brought in current head coach Pete Carroll.

Seattle's defense has improved each of the last three years and finished in the top 10 in points and yards the last two.   This past season, the Seahawks ranked first in the NFL in points allowed (15.3), fourth in yards (306.2) and tied for fourth in takeaways (31).

The Jaguars were 30th in the league in total defense in 2012, finishing the season 2-14.  They lost eight games by 16 points or more in 2012 and did not win a game at home.  It surpassed the Jaguars 4-12 record from the 1995 inaugural season as the worst record in franchise history. 

Bradley began his NFL coaching career with Tampa Bay as a defensive quality control coach in 2006.  He was the Buccaneers' linebackers coach the next two seasons before going to Seattle.  Long-time defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said that Bradley was a rockstar with a lot of head coaching potential.  Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll also praised Bradley's football mind and ability to connect with players.