The Indianapolis Colts have appointed Lou Anarumo (58), formerly the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator, to the same role. Anarumo, who was let go by the Bengals on January 6th along with other staff members, will replace Gus Bradley, who was also dismissed by the Colts on the same day.
Anarumo had served as the Bengals’ defensive coordinator since Zac Taylor became head coach in 2019. After Cincinnati’s AFC Championship win in the 2019 season, Anarumo attracted interest for head coaching opportunities but chose to stay with the Bengals.
The Bengals (9-8) missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year in 2024. Their defense struggled, finishing 25th overall and 26th in points allowed per game (25.5). They lost four one-score games in which they conceded at least 34 points.
Despite these struggles, the Bengals were tied for the sixth-most takeaways in the league, recording 15 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. The defense ranked 21st against the pass and 19th against the run. During Anarumo’s tenure, the Bengals achieved a top-10 scoring defense only once, in 2022.
Anarumo now takes charge of a Colts defense in need of improvement. Indianapolis finished the 2024 season with an 8-9 record, placing second in the AFC South. The defense ranked 29th in the league and 24th in points allowed per game, marking the third straight year the unit was in the bottom 10 under Bradley’s leadership.
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