McCollum Tabs Wisconsin's Bradford as Secondary Coach

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee Head Coach Andy McCollum announced today the hiring of Todd Bradford as the Blue Raiders' secondary coach. Bradford, who comes to Murfreesboro by way of the University of Wisconsin, completes McCollum's staff for 2002. The move now allows defensive coordinator Steve Davis to also coach outside linebackers. "I kept my eye on Todd when he was the defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech and was very impressed with him," McCollum said. "He really strengthens our defensive staff and provides us with a lot of energy and knowledge. We're excited about having him in the Blue Raider family." Bradford, a 1986 graduate of Southern Utah, spent the past two seasons as the defensive backs coach for Wisconsin where he helped form one of the Big Ten's top secondary's. In 2000, Bradford's secondary had one of the top efficiency ratings, while collecting 21 interceptions. That secondary also featured Jamar Fletcher, who led the Big Ten in interceptions and went on to win the Jim Thorpe Award (given to the nation's top defensive back). In all, Bradford coached two Big Ten All-Conference players and another (walk-on Jason Doering) who made the Indianapolis Colts roster in 2001. Before his arrival at Wisconsin, Bradford worked three seasons at Louisiana Tech, including two as the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator. His experience facing high-powered passing offenses was tested daily in practice at Tech. He had to coach against Tim Rattay, who was rated one of the top quarterbacks in the country in the late -90s. Louisiana Tech won 24 games in Bradford's three seasons, including a school record nine in 1997. One of the defenses he coordinated improved its yards allowed average by 65 per game from the prior season. Prior to joining the staff at Tech, Bradford was an assistant coach at Eastern Michigan (1995-96), defensive coordinator at Lehigh (1994), assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at New Hampshire (1988-93) and assistant coach at Southern Utah (1987). Eastern Michigan set 43 school records while Bradford was on staff; Lehigh went to the Patriot League Championship game and his defense was the league's second best; and the '90 New Hampshire and the '87 Southern Utah squads both established school interception records under his tutelage. In 1984, Bradford attended Ricks Junior College where the team played for the junior college national championship in the Valley of the Sun Bowl. Todd and his wife, Sondra, have three daughters (Ashlee, Hailee, and Whitnee) and a son (Kody). "Andy and his staff have done a remarkable job moving from I-AA and winning a conference championship in such a short time," Bradford commented. "I am just happy to be a part of the process."

Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

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