Colts Part Ways with Gus Bradley on NFL's Black Monday

The Indianapolis Colts have fired defensive coordinator Gus Bradley after one season, citing the team's struggles on defense.

Colts Fire Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen expressed his appreciation for defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who was fired on Monday. “I'm appreciative of Gus and the commitment he made to the Colts,” Steichen said. “He is a man of great character, and I have the utmost respect for him. I felt like we needed to move in a different direction. I wish Gus and his family all the best moving forward.”

The Colts' defense struggled during Bradley's three-year tenure, ranking in the bottom 10 in each of those seasons. Bradley took full responsibility for the team's poor performance, particularly in Week 17. “The overall performance (in Week 17) was embarrassing and as a leader, it's my responsibility for our overall play and I take that responsibility,” Bradley stated before the regular-season finale.

Colts part ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 7, 2025

 

Bradley's departure adds to the growing list of coaching changes on the NFL's infamous “Black Monday.” Other notable firings include Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson.