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One of the Colts biggest rivals is reportedly thinking about trying to steal away a key part of their team in the offseason
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images


The Indianapolis Colts made a significant change to their defense this offseason by hiring Lou Anarumo to replace Gus Bradley as their defensive coordinator. Anarumo's defensive philosophy seems like the polar opposite of Bradley's. Bradley's defenses are very reactionary, while Anarumo is always looking to attack opposing offenses. Injuries have hindered the defense's ability to become a top unit, but the new style of play still feels refreshing for Colts fans watching on.

The hope is that Anarumo will be around for a while and that the Colts can give him the talent necessary to build one of the best defenses in the league. One of the Colts' rivals is reportedly trying to disrupt that plan. NFL networks Ian Rapoport name-dropped multiple coaches who are likely to be candidates for the Tennessee Titans' open head coaching position this offseason. 

NFL insider name drops Colts DC Lou Anarumo as a candidate to watch for the Titans head coach opening


New Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo speaks during a press conference Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at the Colts practice facility, the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center.Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Titans fired their head coach, Brian Callahan, following another loss in Week 6. This means the Colts’ AFC South rival will need a new head coach in the offseason. Rapoport mentioned multiple candidates who are expected to be top options for the job. “A couple names to watch: Matt Nagy would be one, Arthur Smith, Lou Anarumo, Mike McCarthy, and a couple more,” said Rapoport. Losing Anarumo at all would hurt, but losing him to an AFC South rival would certainly sting.

Though it's troublesome to hear Anarumo's name tossed around as a candidate for the job, I don't think it's time for fans to panic by any means. The Titans drafted QB Cam Ward with the number one overall pick in 2024, and he's had his fair share of struggles as a rookie. Getting him on the right track should be the top priority for the Titans, and I would expect them to prefer finding an offensive-minded head coach. We will have to wait till the offseason to see what ultimately happens with the Titans. I do think it's important to note, though, that if Anarumo is already getting some buzz as a head coaching candidate with only one job open, it seems safe to assume others will follow suit. 

Lou Anarumo's defenses as a DC in the NFL

  • Colts 2025: 20th total yards, 7th in points, 7th takeaways
  • Bengals 2024: 25th total yards, 25th points, 7th takeaways
  • Bengals 2023: 31st total yards, 21st points, 12th takeaways
  • Bengals 2022: 16th total yards, 6th points, 8th takeaways
  • Bengals 2021: 18th total yards, 17th points, 17th takeaways
  • Bengals 2020: 26th total yards, 22nd points, 27th takeaways
  • Bengals 2019: 29th total yards, 25th points, 28th takeaways
  • Dolphins 2015: 25th total yards, 19th points, 29th takeaways

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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