Feb. 3, 2026, 12:45 p.m. MT
The Arizona Cardinals were unable to land their top defensive coordinator target in Gus Bradley. He agreed to become the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, working Robert Saleh, their new head coach.
The Cardinals shot their shot, though, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer. The Cardinals offered Bradley more money than the Titans and the ability to call plays. Even still, Bradley chose the Titans.
Why did Gus Bradley choose the Titans over the Cardinals?
Per Breer, it was about Bradley’s relationship with Saleh.
Bradley’s relationship with Saleh is why. Saleh views Bradley as one of his most important mentors, having learned under him in Seattle on Pete Carroll’s staff, before Bradley brought Saleh with him to Jacksonville after getting his shot there to be a head coach. That the two are reuniting is a nice stroke of luck for Saleh, since Bradley was likely to become Kyle Shanahan’s DC in San Francisco (replacing Saleh) had Raheem Morris not been available.
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Bradley was assistant head coach-defense last season for the San Francisco 49ers while Saleh was defensive coordinator. They have worked together many times.
Bradley and LaFleur have not crossed paths on any previous coaching staff.
What is next for the Cardinals?
If the goal is to have a defensive coordinator with previous experience, that might be a little more difficult, although Nick Rallis appears to still be on staff at the moment.
Many connect Aubrey Pleasant from the LA Rams‘ staff, and Breer suggests that Houston Texans secondary coach Dino Vasso could be someone to watch.
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