NASHVILLE, Tenn. – When Gus Bradley was the defensive coordinator in Seattle and when he was head coach in Jacksonville, Robert Saleh worked under him.
Now Bradley will work under Saleh as his defensive coordinator in Tennessee.
Bradley was the presumptive choice to replace Saleh as coordinator in San Francisco, where he was assistant head coach in 2025, but as the 49ers moved a different direction with Raheem Morris.
Bradley jumped other candidates, including Mike Rutenberg, Al Harris and Dino Vasso.
Rutenberg served as Saleh's linebackers coach with the Jets and was defensive run-game coordinator in Atlanta in 2025.
Harris is the Bears DBs and defensive pass game coordinator. He spoke to the Packers about replacing Jeff Hafley. He also fielded interest from the Commanders, who hired Daronte Jones from Minnesota, where he was defensive backs coach.
Vasso coaches defensive backs in Houston and reportedly carries endorsements of Jim Schwartz and Matt Burke.
Dennard Wilson, who coordinated the Titans for Brian Callahan and Mike McCoy for the last two years, was let go by Tennessee and recently hired by John Harbaugh and the Giants.
As Saleh's coordinator, Bradley will not call defensive plays. Saleh will do that, as he’s said he felt less connected to the Jets when he was their head coach and didn't call the defense.
Jonathan Gannon, who visited the Titans for a head coaching interview, has replaced Jeff Hafley in Green Bay.
