Usually, if a coach goes 12-36 in his first three years, he’s not going to stick around for a fourth year. In Jacksonville, that record was enough to earn Gus Bradley a contract extension.
The Jaguars announced today that Bradley has been given a one-year extension.
“For an organization that we believe is ready to make its move, extending Gus through the 2017 season provides our club with much-needed stability in every respect,” General Manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement. “It solidifies Gus’ good standing with our current players, provides certainty for free agents who may be considering the Jaguars and helps to deliver the continuity throughout our coaching staff that we think is critical for us to turn the corner. It also gives us the best opportunity to win in 2016. I appreciate Shad supporting this approach as we enter a pivotal season with high expectations at every level of the organization.”
Some other coaches who were hired the same year as Bradley must be wondering why they couldn’t get that kind of support. The Browns hired Rob Chudzinski the same year as the Jaguars hired Bradley and Cleveland has already fired both Chudzinski and Chudzinski’s successor, Mike Pettine -- even though the Browns are 14-34 since 2013, two games better than the Jaguars.
The Bears hired Marc Trestman the same year the Jaguars hired Bradley. Trestman won more games in two seasons than Bradley has won in three, and Trestman was fired after two seasons.
The Eagles hired Chip Kelly the same year the Jaguars hired Bradley. Kelly won more than twice as many games as Bradley but was fired with a 26-21 record.
But the Jaguars insist they’re making progress with Bradley at the helm. If that progress doesn’t mean a playoff berth in 2016, it’s hard to see how they could justify bringing Bradley back in 2017.
The Jaguars also announced that defensive line coach/run game coordinator Todd Wash has been promoted to defensive coordinator, Tony Sorrentino was promoted to assistant wide receivers coach, Aaron Whitecotton was promoted to assistant defensive line coach and Daniel Bullocks has been hired as assistant defensive backs coach. Jacksonville also promoted Mark Ellenz from regional scout to director of college scouting.
So the Jaguars think they’re heading in the right direction and have the right people in place. Even if the standings say otherwise.