THE Indianapolis Colts parted ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley after missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year and is now looking for a new face to lead the defense.
Colts reportedly interviewed Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda for his vacant position Friday (by Tom Pelissero | NFL Network). Banda is a young assistant but has great experience as a coach.
THE #Colts interviewed #Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda today for his work as defensive coordinator, per source.
– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 10, 2025
Banda has been in Cleveland for two years now, but has played for several Power 5 football programs in the NCAA. Banda was a defensive coordinator for the Miami Hurricanes and Utah State Aggies.
Banda is now the third secondary coach to interview for the Colts’ vacant position. Indy had one of the worst pass defenses in football this season, allowing a 69.36% completion rate and 229.4 passing yards per game.
Gus Bradley’s defense:
• Led the NFL in missed tackles
• Gave up 362 yards per game (29th)
•Drew Lock 5 TD, 309 yards
•Mixon 261 yards in 2 games
• Jacobs 151 meters
• Caleb 363 meters
•Fields 367 yards.
• Lawrenceence 371 transition course
Gus was helping the other team. pic.twitter.com/oWvQG8hrU7
– Talkin’ Colts (@TalkinnColts) January 6, 2025
Bradley’s defensive scheme gave up too many underneath passes, creating endless choices for the quarterback. Many quarterbacks, including Malik Willis, Trevor Lawrence and Drake Maye, had an 80% completion rate against the Colts.
Banda’s Browns have allowed just a 61.84% completion rate, third best in the NFL. Although the Browns finished with a 3-14 record, their pass defense wasn’t great.
The Colts are trying to find a suitable replacement as quickly as possible. The 2025 NFL Draft is just over three months away, so it’s critical that all coaches are on the same page when approaching offseason activities.
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