Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley has signed a one-year contract extension through the 2017 season, according to Jaguars reporter John Oehser. The Jaguars finished in the bottom of the league this season, posting a record of 5-11, but Jacksonville's front office seems to be focused on stability and creating a strong environment for their young roster.
"For an organization that we believe is ready to make its move, extending Gus through the 2017 season provides our club with much-need stability in every respect," said general manager Dave Caldwell, via the Jaguars' team website. "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."
The Jaguars have also promoted defensive line coach and run-game coordinator Todd Wash to become their next defensive coordinator, according to Oehser. Bradley has a record of 12-36 in three seasons as the Jaguars head coach, but this past season's record was the best he has posted since arriving in Jacksonville in 2013.
Jacksonville's offense showed strong improvement this season, and quarterback Blake Bortles was one of the most improved players in the NFL this year. The Jaguars second year quarterback had 4,428 passing yards with 35 touchdowns to 18 interceptions in 2015. While the Jaguars offense has clearly shown strides in the right direction, their defense is still in need of a ton of work this offseason.
Jacksonville's defense gave up the second most points in the NFL this season, and with their coaching staff now solidified, they will focus on player personnel and preparing for the 2016 season.
