Updated

The Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley as head coach.

The 46-year-old Bradley is part of Jacksonville's rebuilding project directed by general manager David Caldwell.

ESPN first reported the hire Thursday.

Bradley spent the last four seasons in Seattle, where his defense improved each of the last three years and finished in the top 10 in points and yards the last two. This season, the Seahawks ranked first in the NFL in points allowed (15.3), fourth in yards (306.2) and tied for fourth in takeaways (31).

The Jaguars were 30th in the league in total defense in 2012.

Bradley began his NFL coaching career with Tampa Bay as a defensive quality control coach in 2006. He was the Buccaneers' linebackers coach the next two seasons before going to Seattle.

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