Jaguars extend coach Gus Bradley's contract through 2017

The Jacksonville Jaguars are 12-36 in Gus Bradley’s three years as head coach, but the progress they made in 2015 led them to announce Friday that they have given Bradley a contract extension through the 2017 season.

Jacksonville’s 5-11 2015 record was the best in Bradley’s tenure, but -- most important -- an offense led by second-year quarterback Blake Bortles and a talented group of receivers seems to be giving the team an identity and optimism for the future.

“For an organization that we believe is ready to make its move, extending Gus through the 2017 season provides our club with much-needed stability in every respect,” general manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement released on the team’s website. “It solidifies Gus’ good standing with our current players, provides certainty for free agents who may be considering the Jaguars and helps to deliver the continuity throughout our coaching staff that we think is critical for us to turn the corner.

“It also gives us the best opportunity to win in 2016. I appreciate (Jaguars Owner) Shad (Khan) supporting this approach as we enter a pivotal season with high expectations at every level of the organization.”

Bradley, 49, was the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2012 before taking the Jacksonville job.