Eagles Wake-Up Call: Good-Will Gus
Gus Bradley has been called “the nicest man ever to lead a pack of cutthroats.” It has been written that his “blood type is sunshine.”
Pete Carroll lauded Bradley as the best teacher that he has ever been around.
Safe to say he has built up some good will over the years, and it might just come in handy.
No one speaks more highly of the 46-year-old than Monte Kiffin, who helped discover Bradley and worked alongside him in Tampa Bay.
“He reminds me of (Steelers coach) Mike Tomlin. We hired Mike at 29-years-old out of the University of Cincinnati. It didn’t take long to know that Mike was special, and I knew from Day 1 that Gus was special. He’ll be a head coach in the NFL. He’s got no panic. Some people do, it doesn’t mean they’re not really good coaches, but Gus, he’s special. When he interviews, he’ll knock your socks off. I’m not trying to pump him up, but I know what he is. He’s put it on tape up there.”
Birds 24/7 learned through conversations on Monday that Jon Gruden is also very high on Seattle’s defensive coordinator. Bradley served under Gruden from 2006-08, first as a quality control coach and then a linebackers coach. (Maybe it will provide the Gruden fanatics a little peace of mind knowing that their guy at least endorses Bradley’s candidacy.)
It stands to reason that Gruden and the rest of the Bradley supporters could be valuable assets if he is in fact tabbed to be the Eagles’ next head coach (though Kiffin might have to lay low, seeing as he is now the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys). Connections are key in the NFL, especially if you want to build yourself a quality staff. Bradley appears to have that going for him.
Between the rave reviews, the fact that he is a defensive guy and, of course, this video, those positive vibes have found their way into Philadelphia. Bradley has quickly gone from virtual unknown to a popular candidate. There are plenty of fans hoping that he comes in for a second interview Tuesday and never leaves.
You get the feeling that they just might get their wish.
WHAT YOU MISSED
Some details on Bradley as he gets set for his second interview.
The Eagles spent part of their day Monday interviewing Ken Whisenhunt and Jay Gruden.
Howie Roseman got beat up a bit in a piece by Jason La Canfora. I offered a couple thoughts.
Sheil looks at the playoffs through the green lens.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Instead of the normal national roundup, figured we’d show you some fan tweets in reaction to Bradley being brought in for a second interview by the Eagles.
If we’re going to ride the #GusBus; that ride better end down Broad Street with a Lombardi Trophy and the BIGGEST parade in city history.
—Chris Cosme (@ChrisC2Cosme) January 15, 2013
#Eagles I’ve decided to make my own Gus Bus: twitter.com/EaglesJake/sta…
— Jake Louden (@EaglesJake) January 15, 2013
IN GUS WE TRUST…HIRE HIM#EAGLES OR ANSWER TO THE#EAGLESNATION…AND DO IT TOMORROW !
— paul m phelan (@bigpaulierules) January 15, 2013
In Gus we trust . Come on Eagles !! Please don’t screw up the Gus Bradley negotiations . Send Howie for pizza while negotiations conducted.
— Benjamin Bell (@TattooQ) January 15, 2013
Apparently Gus Bradley accepted head coaching position after Lurie and Roseman threatened to interview him for another 8 hours…#eagles
— Corrado (@corrado_19) January 15, 2013
Hopefully Gus Bradley bring that Seattle system to the eagles.. big ass corners and hard hittin safeties
— {== Eagles Fan (@ALi_the_prophet) January 15, 2013
I’ve been saying the #Eagles should be hiring Gus Bradley for the past week and a half @eagles I should be your GM we’d be winning
— Rick Henderson (@rickseagles) January 15, 2013
COMING UP
The end of the coaching search?