The Colts are still contemplating a change regarding their defensive coordinator position—which could be imminent.
According to FOX59/CBS4’s Mike Chappell, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen indicated early on ‘NFL Black Monday’ that “no decision has been made yet” regarding embattled veteran defensive coordinator Gus Bradley—as those evaluations are upcoming:
Shane Steichen: No decision on DC Gus Bradley. Will be part of evaluations in next few days.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 6, 2025
The former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator (the latter infamous for their “Legion of Boom” secondary) has yet to assemble a Colts defense that even remotely resembles two of those other past staunch units at their peak—having finished in points allowed 24th (2024), 28th (2023), and 28th (2022) with Indianapolis respectively.
During Week 17, the Colts defense infamously surrendered 45 points to the lowly New York Giants, with backup Drew Lock having a career afternoon, with a performance that Bradley would later label as “embarrassing”—featuring a lack of fundamentals, hustle, and heart.
It was a must-win game for the Colts to keep their longshot playoff hopes alive, and they fell well short against one of the worst teams in football. That may be the straw that ultimately broke the camel’s back regarding Bradley continuing with the Colts.
With team owner Jim Irsay already issuing a ‘pledge’ in a letter that both general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen would return, Bradley also could be pinpointed as the sole scapegoat for any meaningful change demanded by Colts fans after a highly disappointing 2024 season, that saw no playoff berth once again for Indianapolis.
It’s not that his dismissal as defensive coordinator isn’t arguably warranted, but it’s a fair question of whether he should be the only significant change that happens this offseason.