Jacksonville Jaguars named Gus Bradley, who was the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks from 2009 to 2012, as the franchise's fifth head coach Thursday.
Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell, who was hired last week, led the coaching search and decided on Bradley as the most suitable.
"It was just a matter of time before Gus Bradley became a head coach in the NFL, and the Jacksonville Jaguars are extremely fortunate that Gus will be on our sidelines for many years to come," the Associated Press quoted Caldwell as saying.
"Gus more than met every criteria we insisted on from our new head coach, and his intangibles and leadership abilities are exceptional. Gus is who the Jaguars need now and in the future."
Under Bradley, the Seahawks improved their defense substantially and the franchise found a place in the top ten NFL teams in points and yards during the last two years. After the current regular season, the Seahawks were first in points allowed (15.3), ranked fourth in yards (306.2) and tied for fourth place in takeaways (31).
The Jaguars' defense struggled and was placed 30th in the NFL in 2012.
"I had faith that Dave would make an outstanding hire, and my faith has been rewarded," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said. "Gus Bradley is perfect for our franchise. The energy he will immediately bring is incredible and I am confident the victories will follow."
Bradley was also interviewed for the head coach's job in Philadelphia this week. He has earned great respect for his ability to pick talent and improve the defense.
"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."
The Jaguars had fired Mike Mularkey last week after the franchise's dismal 2-14 record in 2012 season. Now, the owner and management expect Bradley to take the Jaguars back to playoffs.
"Shad Khan and Dave Caldwell expect to win, and that's what I wanted to hear," Bradley said. "That's why I am coming to Jacksonville -- to win a Super Bowl."
Jaguars will hold a news conference to formally introduce Bradley as the head coach Friday morning.
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