Tom Bradley Key to Pac-12 Title Run for UCLA in 2015

Since becoming the head coach of the UCLA Bruins, Jim Mora has done some great things for the program. The one thing that he has yet to be able to accomplish, however, is winning that elusive Pac-12 championship. Will the addition of defensive coordinator Tom Bradley help the Bruins break through in 2015?

Overall, the Bruins had a pretty solid defense in 2014, ranking No. 3 in the Pac-12 in total defense, though they were just No. 7 in scoring defense. With eight starters returning and a strong group of experience backups, there was plenty of reason to be optimistic about this group heading into 2015. But then sudden coaching changes took place on the defensive side of the ball after National Signing Day with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich leaving and Mike Tuiasosopo being let go causing a moment of worry for the future of the Bruin defense.

Any concerns, though, were quickly put to rest with the hire of Bradley whose coaching pedigree cannot be denied. He spent 37 years with the Penn State Nittany Lions as a player and coach and spent last season as the defensive coordinator for the West Virginia Mountaineers (who improved their scoring defense in 2014 by nearly six points per game). As the defensive coordinator for Penn State, his teams ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense every season from 2004 to 2009. In short; the man can coach some defense.

The question that some had about Bradley, however, was whether or not he could handle the varied offensive looks he would see in the Pac-12. During his run at Penn State, he certainly didn’t have to deal with the multitude of spread attacks that he’ll have to deal with now at UCLA. Bradley can answer those critics, though, with the work he did at West Virginia against the varied spread attacks of the Big 12 (which he had success against). He’s also going to get plenty of experience going up against the UCLA offense in practice with one of the conference’s top offensive coordinators, Noel Mazzone, calling the plays.

Tom Bradley has all the experience, knowledge, and ability to make the UCLA defense something special in 2015. Can he build a rapport with this coaching staff and these players to get it done?

You can follow Tyler Brett on Twitter @ATylerBrett, on Facebook and on Google.