Jackson State football will soon be looking for a new defensive coordinator.
Current JSU defensive coordinator Jonathan Bradley has reportedly been hired as the new defensive line coach at South Alabama, according to Football Scoop. Bradley is expected to join the coaching staff of new head coach Major Applewhite.
Bradley was a key part of the inaugural Jackson State football staff under T.C. Taylor after being added last winter. The JSU defense finished fifth in the SWAC in points allowed per game and led the conference in interceptions.
Bradley has spent the majority of his coaching career in the SWAC. He came over from Alcorn State where he was co-defensive coordinator in 2022. UAPB was his stop from 2019 through 2021 as he served in the roles of defensive line coach, defensive coordinator and associate head coach.
UAPB improved to fourth in total defense in the SWAC, allowing less than 374.0 yards per game and were tied for second in the league in fewest touchdowns allowed with 38 in 2019. The Golden Lions were third in rushing defense (yielding 143.7 ypg), and tied for the fewest passing TDs allowed in the league (15).
UAPB tied for the league lead in sacks en route to the SWAC Western Division Championship and a berth in the SWAC Championship Game during the abbreviated spring 2021 season.
A three-time all-conference defensive lineman at Arkansas State, Bradley was a two-time first-team all-Sun Belt honoree during his time there after recording eight sacks in 2002 and a team-high four sacks in 2003. He capped his college career by playing in the 2004 Blue-Gray Classic All-Star game.
The native of West Helena, Ark., played running back, fullback and defensive line in the NFL, spending three seasons with the Buccaneers (2004-06) and one season with the Lions (2007).