On Gus Bradley, the Seahawks defense, and postseason stock
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Eagles
On Gus Bradley, the Seahawks defense, and postseason stock
Zach Berman, Inquirer Staff Writer
By ZACH BERMAN
For those who want Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to be the next Eagles coach -- and judging by my inbox and Twitter feed, there are many fans on that bandwagon -- the best news might have been the Falcons' 30-28 win over the Seahawks. That frees up Bradley to be hired by an interested team, and the Eagles and Chargers right now appear to be the interested teams.
One's judgment of Bradley should not be weighed by Sunday's game, though, even though the Seahawks surrendered a last-minute lead. For one, two passes in the fourth quarter of a road game against one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL is too small of a sample size to form any type of judgment. Also, it counters the very reasons a coach should be considered. Bradley oversaw the best scoring defense in the NFL this season, but that would be a foolish reason to hire him. Every season, top coordinators are hired by NFL teams. Every season, former top coordinators are fired by NFL teams.
The reason to hire a coach is for characteristics that go beyond scheme and stats -- what's his short-term, mid-term, and long-term plan; how does he lead a team; how innovative are his ideas; how well can he run a staff; how does he deal with problems in the locker room; how does he represent the team. When the coach is inside the building, he needs to hire skilled coordinators and strong coaches, and that's when scheme matters. (Of course, a good quarterback is also imperative.)
In speaking to Seahawks defensive players last week, three things seemed clear about Bradley:
1) Players want to play for him. He was described as a "player's coach" by multiple players. One player called him "new-school," and said that he's the type of coach whom players will listen to and follow.
2) He's full of energy and optimism. Cornerback Richard Sherman said Bradley never seems to have a bad day, ever boasting energy -- even when he's sick, or his voice is hoarse. So if a high-energy coach is appealing, Bradley should excite you.
3) The Seahawks run Bradley's defense. I wanted to know specifically what role Bradley possesses, particularly because Pete Carroll has a decorated resume with defense. I was told that Carroll has influence, but Bradley puts together the game plan and makes the calls.
None of this means Bradley will be the Eagles head coach, or even a good head coach if he becomes one. Frankly, that has as much to do with the roster that's assembled and the quarterback of the future.
But it helps show why Bradley is a popular candidate, and why he could potentially become the coach within the next days.
Great article can you pass this onto lurie. Why has this guy not been hired yet.— CSM2003- Of all the candidates interviewed, Bradley proved Sunday and during the season to be the BEST guy for the Head Coaching position with the Eagles. Let's stop the merry-go-round search and get serious. Hire Bradley!— walt1
- Zack, I believe your perspective dovetails with Lurie's...a focus on leadership, strategy, creativeness. It amazes me, even after all these years as a Philly sports fan, that so many posters and callers are sooo negative towards ownership and management. IMO Lurie is a GREAT owner who loves the Eagles, invests in the team, and doesn't interfere in football operations. Would this city want Jerry Jones?! Luck plays a part in any HC hiring but I like the odds of Lurie finding us a good one.— JBP
- CSM, A coach cannot be hired while his team is still alive in the playoffs. Gus Bradley wasn't available to be hired until approximately 5:00 yesterday afternoon. My guess is that he will be hired as a head coach (hopefully by the Eagles) in the next few days.— maurysline
- Please hire Bradley.— CaptAwesome
- One last thing...the biggest drawback to getting a great HC is not Lurie or Howie or a lack of a franchise QB...it is the ridiculous PORTION of the fan base that tears down anything good if things don't go perfectly right away and all the time. The radio and print press plays a role as well by playing to this PORTION of the fan base.— JBP
- JBP, Bravo to you. Lurie has been an excellent owner. I hope he own this team until after I'm dead. However, that doesn't keep the negadelphians from making their snide comments.— maurysline
- I am willing to overlook the failure of Seattle's defense yesterday -- especially on Atlanta's final drive -- when I look at how it performed over the course of the year. The guy who oversaw that D has got to have something good going for him.— Dave Clemens
- He is the right guy for this team, he reminds me of a guy who would sit down with the fans and have a beer and a good time then go out and coach the lights out he is a perfect fit.— angrywhtguy
- Well written with the right perspective, Zach. Thank you for not falling prey to the "what's taking so long to hire a coach?" hysteria that seems to have overcome most of your fellow journalists in Philadelphia. It's refreshing to read an objective, fact-based article about the Eagles head coaching search, for a change.— fentonhardy
- Gus and his defense was Seattle's weak link in their loss to the Falcons. A really good coach does not come up small in the big games. Too many people jump on his wagon because of the yelling and screaming sound clips. Motivating people has little to do with that type of verbiage. The screaming at players is way over rated.— Taser
I wasn't ready to hand Gus Bradley the keys because of one good season, but I'm also not ready to yank them away after one game either. I still like him the best among the current options, but that and 75 cents will get you a newspaper.- PLEASE sign this guy NOW!!?— MJSI
- Gus is intense, check out this clip someone else posted elsewhere. Starts at 2:15 or so. This team needs some of that, a guy thats not afraid to tell grown men how it is and get in their face. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofv2MgMoFG8— peteike
- Great clip, love to see this guy on the sidelines to meet DRC after one of his turnstile attempts at tackling — DogBiscuitthedope
