Lou Anarumo Named Colts' New Defensive Coordinator

The Indianapolis Colts have hired former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to lead their defense, replacing Gus Bradley.

The Indianapolis Colts have appointed Lou Anarumo, formerly the defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals, as their new defensive coordinator. Anarumo, 58, was let go by the Bengals on January 6th, along with other coaches. He will now succeed Gus Bradley, who was fired by the Colts on the same day.

Anarumo had been the Bengals' defensive coordinator since 2019, when head coach Zac Taylor was hired. Following the Bengals' AFC Championship win in 2019, Anarumo was pursued by other teams for head coaching positions but ultimately chose to remain with Cincinnati. However, the Bengals failed to secure a playoff berth for the second consecutive year, finishing with a 9-8 record.

Colts are hiring former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo as their defensive coordinator, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2025

The Bengals' defense under Anarumo's leadership ranked 25th overall in the 2024 season and 26th in points per game, allowing 25.5 points per game. The team struggled in close games, losing four one-score games in which they conceded at least 34 points. Despite this, the Bengals did show some positive signs, tying for sixth-most takeaways with 15 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. They also finished with the 21st-ranked pass defense and the 19th-ranked run defense.

Anarumo's tenure with the Bengals saw the team achieve a top-10 scoring defense only once, in 2022. Now, he faces the challenge of revitalizing the Colts' defense, which finished the season ranked 29th in the league and 24th in points per game. The Colts posted an 8-9 record and secured second place in the AFC South. During Gus Bradley's three-year stint as defensive coordinator, the Colts' defense ranked in the bottom 10 each year.