Former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo finds a new home before Cincinnati officially hires his replacement

Anarumo spent the past six years in charge of the Bengals' defense and while he only coordinated an above average defense once (according to DVOA) since Joe Burrow arrived in 2020, the 58-year old has commanded much respect around the league for piecing together units that have stifled the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen on multiple occasions. His time in Cincinnati came to an end following a disastrous year in which lackluster offenses got the better of his defense, but Anarumo's tenure will be looked back on with mostly positive memories.

After being let go by Zac Taylor following the conclusion of the 2024 season, Anarumo's first interview of the hiring cycle was with the Colts last week. He also interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons and was reportedly in the mix to become Ben Johnson's DC for the Chicago Bears. Dennis Allen is expected to take that job.

Indianapolis will be the fourth NFL franchise to employ Anarumo since he made the leap to the league in 2012, but his last stop in college will look a bit familiar. Anarumo was the defensive backs coach at nearby Purdue from 2004-11, so he's very familiar with the state of Indiana. 

The news of Anarumo's hiring comes hours before the College Football Playoff National Championship between another Indiana school, Notre Dame, and Ohio State. The favorite to supplant Anarumo is Notre Dame DC Al Golden, who was the Bengals linebackers coach from 2020-21 during the early years Anarumo's stint in Cincinnati. 

It would not be a surprise to hear Golden as the hire soon following the title game, regardless if Notre Dame pulls off the upset over OSU. For now, Anarumo has his landing spot while the Bengals will have to wait another 24 hours or so to make their move official.