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Colts hire John Fox as senior defensive assistant to help Gus Bradley's defense evolve

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Frank Reich has carried an extra assistant coach on the offensive side of the ball the past couple of seasons.

The position was designed to be creative, to find things from outside the system that could fit, to help Reich’s system evolve. First Kevin Patullo, then Press Taylor played the role.

Reich saw the same role expanding in defenses around the NFL. A former coworker, Jim Schwartz, helped Tennessee get more out of its defensive line; Mark Duffner has been an invaluable resource for Lou Anarumo in Cincinnati.

More:Insider: Why Colts hired defensive coordinator Gus Bradley (hint: it's more than his scheme)

When Matt Eberflus left for Chicago, Reich saw a chance to move the extra position on offense to the defensive side of the ball, a move that new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley supported.