The Indianapolis Colts have mutually agreed to release defensive coordinator Gus Bradley following three seasons with the franchise and several years of underachievement.
Although Bradley’s 2024 season fell short of expectations, and the defense surrendered numerous yards along with missed tackles and completions, the experienced coordinator remained a genuine leader and mentor for the Colts players. Team owner Jim Irsay shared a sincere message about the ex-coach.
Bradley’s defense ended the season ranked 29th in total yards per game (361.2), 26th in passing yards (229.4), and 24th in rushing yards (131.8). Although these metrics aren’t particularly impressive, the Colts experienced some positive moments, ranking seventh in the NFL for defensive takeaways with a total of 25.
This season, Bradley’s defense secured a solid number of interceptions, with Kenny Moore II (three), Nick Cross (three), Julian Blackmon (three), Jaylon Jones (two), and Samuel Womack III (two), showing that Indy’s secondary and stopping units had their positive moments.
The Colts will require a refreshed motivation in their upcoming defensive coordinator. Although Bradley was seasoned, established, and had prior achievements with teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, those times are far behind. 2024 revealed that Bradley’s system, at least for the Colts, is obsolete and vulnerable to offensive exploitation.
Bradley’s experienced leadership will be absent from Indy’s locker room, but the Colts require defensive results in 2025, making this decision to part ways essential. Players such as defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (30), cornerback Moore II (29), and linebacker Zaire Franklin (28) are aging and must make the most of their prime years while possible.
We’ll find out whom the Colts choose to bring in as the coach for the defensive unit. There are numerous candidates suitable for the role, so Irsay, Chris Ballard, and head coach Shane Steichen need to be discerning about their next selection to avoid any missteps like those we’ve witnessed over the past three years with Bradley.