NFL report: Chargers hire Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator

Gus Bradley began working before he was hired, meeting with Chargers defensive coaches and discussing in-depth concepts at the team’s now-temporary practice facility in San Diego. That was days ago, the team since waiting for him to come aboard formally.

He has. Now, the real work can begin.

The former Jaguars head coach and Seahawks defensive coordinator agreed to a contract to become the Chargers’ defensive coordinator, a source confirmed Friday evening. He was the man that first-year head coach Anthony Lynn targeted throughout the process. Lynn now has surrounded himself with two highly experienced play-callers in Los Angeles.

Whisenhunt will call plays on offense. Bradley will do so on defense.

Ironically, both were interviewed in 2013 before the Chargers hired Mike McCoy as head coach. They’ll share a staff now with McCoy’s successor. This is the third season for Whisenhunt in the role with the Chargers, having handled it in 2013 and 2016.

Los Angeles also reportedly hired Alfredo Roberts, a tight ends coach in the league from 2002 to 2015, to oversee its running backs. He replaces Ollie Wilson in the role.

With Bradley and Roberts’ arrival, the Chargers have subbed out their two-longest tenured coaches this offseason. Former defensive coordinator John Pagano was with the franchise for the past 15 seasons. Ollie Wilson was for 14.

Bradley’s arrival likely signals a change of guard. He traditionally runs a 4-3 base defense, contrary to the 3-4 base alignment the club long has featured. A team official downplayed the difference, citing how multiple Bradley and Pagano both are out of their base look.

Bradley carried a 14-48 record over three-plus seasons in Jacksonville. He was Seattle’s coordinator from 2009 to 2012.

--Michael Gehlken

Etc.

Colts owner Jim Irsay announced that he has fired Ryan Grigson as general manager after five seasons. The move comes after Indianapolis missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season and only the third time since 2001. Irsay hired the up-and-coming Grigson after the Colts went 2-14 in 2011. With a series of shrewd moves and No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck leading the way in 2012, the first-time GM rebuilt almost overnight and was the architect of one of the greatest turnarounds in league history. …

The Green Bay Packers have signed rookie receiver Max McCaffrey from the practice squad, adding depth at a position plagued by injuries ahead of Sunday’s NFC championship game against the Atlanta Falcons. Offensive lineman JC Tretter, who had knee surgery this week, was placed on season-ending injured reserve on Saturday to make room for McCaffrey. Green Bay has listed three receivers as questionable for the Falcons game: starters Jordy Nelson (ribs) and Davante Adams (ankle) as well as rookie Geronimo Allison (hamstring).

--Associated Press