Sorry Colts fans, but it doesn’t sound like Gus Bradley is leaving anytime soon

During the Week 18 game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans, the phrase “Fire Gus Bradley” was trending on Twitter. That wasn’t the first time the phrase trended during the season. In fact, it usually popped up on social media during every Colts game, as it was a sentiment felt throughout the fan base.

Fans had grown tired of Bradley’s defensive scheme, which many people felt was the reason for Indy’s bad pass defense. Not only did fans want Bradley gone after the season ended, but a lot of people started to feel confident that he would be dismissed after how things ended. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Nearly a week after Indy’s last game, Gus Bradley is still the team’s defensive coordinator. Based on everything the organization has said, there’s no reason to believe that will change any time soon.

Gus Bradley likely returning as defensive coordinator for Colts

When head coach Shane Steichen spoke with media, he expressed that he likes having continuity on the coaching staff and has a lot of respect for Bradley. However, Steichen didn’t explicitly say whether Bradley will return or not. General manager Chris Ballard gave a much more concrete answer, saying he expects Bradley to still be the defensive coordinator next season.

Ballard also spoke in defense of Bradley, acknowledging that it was Ballard who made the decision to go young in the secondary. With two rookies starting at corner, and a second-year safety also starting, growing pains are expected. Ballard believes the inexperience of the group played a big role; not everything was Bradley’s fault.

The defensive did get after the passer and forced turnovers, but the team allowed 349.8 yards a game, which is 24th in the NFL. The group also gave up 24.4 points a game, 28th in the league. If Gus Bradley does return, he’ll have to lead a much better unit.

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