Lou Anarumo. Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals DC receives first head-coaching interview

The Bengals 2022 season ended abruptly last night after losing 23-20 to the Chiefs in the AFC title game. But news broke this morning of a silver lining for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

The Cardinals have requested to interview Anarumo for their vacant head-coaching job, according to NFL Network's Peter Schrager.

Anarumo had yet to receive a single interview this year after having one of the better defenses in the league and helping lead Cincinnati to its second straight AFC Championship game.

His defense was the fifth-best in points per game (20.1) in the regular season. It was also the third-best in points per game (16.7) throughout the postseason, and the best of among those who have played three playoff games.

Whoever ends up taking over as the Cardinals head coach is inheriting a team that went 4-13 and will probably be without QB Kyler Murray to start the 2023 season after having ACL surgery.

It will be a tall task but Anarumo could be the guy for the job as he has helped turn the Bengals organization around. Cincinnati went 6-25-1 from 2019-2020 but 22-11 from 2021-2022.

Arizona has had to somewhat restart its search after some of its candidates stayed with their respective teams or were hired elsewhere. It's something the team is familiar with since 2013. 

Will Anarumo be the latest example of a great leader who most overlooked?

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