NASHVILLE – Gus Bradley knows what he wants the Titans defense to look like week in and week out.
The team's new defensive coordinator also knows how he wants to be viewed by his players day in and day out.
Bradley discussed his mindset and approach during a press conference on Wednesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park.
"Well, the picture is a fast and violent defense," Bradley said. "I don't think you're going to see 45 different coverages, 50 different blitzes. If we can do that and still play fast and violent, we'll do it. But not at the expense of one of those two.
"We've always had a defense that we felt like guys could come in early in their stage, early in their career and play, and we want to keep that part of it open. But the game is evolving. I mean, what it looked like five years ago to what it is now is completely different. So, to have those adjustables, the things that you need and the coverage principles and pressures is important, we're growing in that area. But always with that in the back of our mind, never at the expense of being fast and violent."
New Titans head coach Robert Saleh tabbed Bradley as his defensive coordinator in Tennessee.
Saleh will call the defense on Sundays, while Bradley will be a key figure during the week alongside his longtime friend.
Bradley is entering his 37th year in coaching and his 21st year in the NFL. In 2026, he'll reunite with Saleh after the duo previously served on the same staffs with the Seahawks (2011-12), Jaguars (2014-16) and 49ers (2025).
Bradley wants to be a consistent voice, and teacher, for the players.
"I think consistency creates credibility," he said. "So, I think that's someone that will tell the truth. 'Hey, we didn't play well, let's tell the truth' 'We played well, let's tell the truth.' But they're going to consistently know what they're going to get. I would say, by nature, I am an 85-and-sunny type guy every day. I'm excited about the opportunity. So, I mean, there's times when you can flip and obviously, if there's things not working well.
"But I'm a — What were the four things they did well? Now – What are the two things we need to improve on type of person? Let's not miss the good things. Let's make sure that we point those things out because they'll be repeated, but … big part of it is accountability. We know what the standard looks like, and I think that's what Robert and I have. We have enough experience together and know what it should look like that if it doesn't look like that, that's the accountability piece."
During Bradley's time in the NFL, he has been a defensive coordinator for 12 total seasons with the Seahawks (2009-12), Chargers (2017-20), Raiders (2021) and Colts (2022-24). Additionally, he was the Jaguars head coach from 2013 to 2016.
As a member of the 49ers organization in 2025 under head coach Kyle Shanahan, Bradley was the assistant head coach of defense while Saleh was the defensive coordinator.
Bradley is ready for a fresh start in Tennessee, with Saleh.
"I think that you always want to be someplace where you're valued, right? I think all of us do that," Bradley said. "And I think the relationship that Robert and I (have) — I know in the offseason, looking at other things going on, when Tennessee came up, it was always held in high regard. And that part was very intriguing, like the organization, the facilities, and the people they have in place. There was a lot of positives. Now, there are a lot of good people, in my belief, in the NFL, and I think you go to a lot of places. But it was extremely positive with Tennessee. That's what I'm excited about, continuing to add value to a place that is held in high regard across the league."
