The Tennessee Titans are hiring Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“Robert Saleh adds a trusted piece to his staff,” Pelissero wrote on Monday, and the word “trusted” undersells the depth of this relationship. Bradley and Saleh will now work together with their fourth different NFL franchise, a partnership that spans 15 years and traces back to when Saleh was an unknown quality control coach learning the game.
Tennessee Titans, Robert Saleh Hire Former San Francisco 49ers’ Coach Gus Bradley as Defensive Coordinator
The connection started in Seattle. Bradley served as the Seahawks‘ defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2012, building the foundation of what would become the legendary Legion of Boom secondary. Saleh joined the staff in 2011 as a defensive quality control coach, an entry-level position where he absorbed Bradley’s scheme and philosophy for two seasons.
When Bradley landed the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching job in 2013, he remembered the young assistant. Bradley hired Saleh as his linebackers coach in 2014, giving him his first position-coach role in the NFL. They spent three seasons together in Jacksonville before Bradley was fired in December 2016 with a 15-49 record.
The two reunited again in San Francisco during the 2025 season. Saleh returned to the 49ers as defensive coordinator after being fired by the New York Jets in October 2024, and Bradley joined as assistant head coach on the defensive side. Now Saleh has brought Bradley along to Tennessee, where their roles have essentially flipped.
Gus Bradley Brings Legion of Boom Experience to Tennessee Titans
Bradley’s hiring gives Tennessee one of the most experienced defensive minds in football. This marks his fifth stint as an NFL defensive coordinator, following stops with the Seahawks (2009-12), Los Angeles Chargers (2017-20), Las Vegas Raiders (2021), and Indianapolis Colts (2022-24).
His Seattle tenure remains the crown jewel. Bradley was the original playcaller for the Legion of Boom defense, laying the groundwork for a unit that would eventually carry the Seahawks to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances after his departure. The aggressive, physical style he implemented in Seattle became the blueprint for his future stops.
Saleh will handle defensive play-calling duties in Tennessee, meaning Bradley’s role will be more advisory and collaborative than his previous coordinator positions. The arrangement mirrors what they had in San Francisco, where Bradley assisted both Saleh and head coach Kyle Shanahan with game-planning and key defensive decisions.
Robert Saleh Building Experienced Titans Coaching Staff in Tennessee
Bradley joins a Titans staff taking shape under Saleh’s vision. The team also hired Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator, tasking the former Giants head coach with developing 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.
The defensive coordinator position opened after Tennessee fired Dennard Wilson following a disappointing 2025 season. The Titans ranked 21st in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed, numbers Saleh and Bradley will be expected to improve significantly.
Bradley became available after the 49ers passed on promoting him to defensive coordinator, instead hiring Raheem Morris to replace Saleh. The decision freed Bradley to reunite with his former protégé in Tennessee.
The hiring completes a full-circle journey for both coaches. Saleh once sat in meetings as Bradley’s entry-level assistant, soaking up knowledge from a coordinator building one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses. Now Bradley will sit in meetings as Saleh’s coordinator, helping a first-time head coach implement his defensive vision.
Four franchises. Fifteen years. The Bradley-Saleh partnership continues in Nashville.
Titans Just Hired a Defensive Coordinator with Strong Robert Saleh Ties