Atiba Bradley took over at Western Illinois in January 2013 as the linebackers coach for head coach Bob Nielson. During summer 2015 he was promoted to co-defensive coordinator.
Last year the linebacker corps had two of the top players in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in tackles per game. Kevin Kintzel earned All-MVFC honors for the second consecutive season.
In his first season, Bradley saw Kintzel not only earn All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors, he set a WIU record for most defensive touchdowns scored. The linebackers helped the defensive unit rank seventh nationally in total defense and third in passing defense. Western’s top four linebackers combined for 22 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, six interceptions and 12 pass break-ups. Kintzel was honored by the College Football Performance Awards when he received the organization's Linebacker Award (given to one of the top linebackers in the Division I FCS).
Prior to joining the Leathernecks, Bradley spent the 2012 season coaching at Quincy University. In his one season at Quincy as the defensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator, Bradley made an immediate impact as the Hawks transitioned to the NCAA Division II level. Four of his players on defense earned All-Great Lakes Valley Conference Second Team honors.
He worked for two years at Missouri Southern State as linebackers coach, recruiting coordinator and oversaw the academic progress of the student-athletes.
Prior to coaching at Southern, he was at the University of Missouri as a graduate assistant. In 2009, Bradley served as the defensive graduate assistant coach. He moved to defense after spending the 2008 season as the Tigers' first offensive quality control as a graduate assistant. Bradley helped the Tigers to a prolific offensive season that saw them break numerous school scoring and yardage records.
Bradley arrived at Mizzou after spending his previous two seasons at Missouri Southern. He spent 2006 as a student assistant while finishing up his degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Mathematics. During that season, he coached the cornerbacks, and was hired for the 2007 season as an intern coach, working with the tight ends and offensive line.
During his playing days at Missouri Southern, Bradley was a two-time All-Conference linebacker. He was an all-state performer as a prep offensive and defensive lineman at Joplin High School prior.
Bradley was married in June 2008 to Jacquelyn Dukart. He and his wife have two daughters, Briauna and Kiara Nicole.
