Lou Anarumo. Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Why the Bengals should thank the Cardinals

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/15/23

The Cardinals wrapped up the head coaching carousel yesterday and the Bengals should be giving them a big thank you.

Cincinnati's defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was one of the two finalists to become Arizona's next head coach. However, the Cardinals decided to go with former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

Anarumo will return to the Bengals as its defensive coordinator in 2023 and fans should be relieved. The team certainly is as reports say its defenders are "ecstatic" about his return.

His defense was the fifth-best in points per game (20.1) and seventh-best in rushing yards per game (106.6) in 2022. The defense was one of the more underrated units in the league, having a couple of dominant postseason performances as well.

Anarumo has impressed as a coach and as a leader, and it has some scratching their heads as to why he came up short of a head-coaching gig this year.

Eric Bieniemy
Lou Anarumo

Two men that should have been HC’s this cycle (should have happened for Eric years ago)

It’s more than just about play calling. It’s about the 3 things I continually say: credibility, competency, positive impact.#ChiefsKingdom #WhoDey
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) February 15, 2023

He will now have to wait at least one more season to get another shot at leading his own team. But Cincinnati is just fine with being the one to benefit.

The Bengals will now have full continuity as both coordinators are returning, making a team that's made back-to-back AFC titles all the more dangerous in 2023.

Can confirm via league source that Bengals DC Lou Anarumo will return to Bengals in that role in 2023 after two interviews with Cardinals. Zac Taylor gets all his top lieutenants back. Ideal continuity.
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) February 14, 2023