A league source has told ESPN that the Philadelphia Eagles, without a head coach since ousting Andy Reid, interviewed Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley Saturday on the eve of the Seahawks’ NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. Under Bradley, the Seahawks averaged a league-low 15.3 points per game during the regular season and blanked the Washington Redskins last Sunday for the final three quarters in a 24-14 win.
If the Eagles opt to offer their head coaching position to the 46-year-old Bradley, they can’t officially make the hire until after the playoffs end.
“It’s flattering,” Bradley said, without confirming or denying that he had met with the Eagles. “But our focus is on Atlanta and trying to get one step closer.”
Bradley launched his NFL coaching career with Tampa Bay as a defensive quality control coach in 2006. He was the Buccaneers’ linebackers coach the next two seasons before joining the Seahawks in 2009. Bradley coached in college from 1990-2005, including two stints at North Dakota State and four years at Fort Lewis College.
“He’s got a brilliant football mind,” Seahawks coach Peter Carroll said this week. “He’s got a way of reaching people and touching people and getting the best out of them, coaches and players alike. He’s got everything that you’re looking for.”
In addition to talking to Bradley, the Eagles also will interview Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden Monday and Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians Tuesday.
Two of Bradley’s players, safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman, were named first-team All-NFL by The Associated Press Saturday. The Seahawks had not had two defensive players selected All-NFL since 2007 when DE Patrick Kearney and LB Lofa Tatupu were honored.
