In a bold move to resurrect their floundering defense, the Indianapolis Colts have hired Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN on Monday. The former Cincinnati Bengals DC, recently let go after a disappointing 2024 season, will be tasked with overhauling a Colts unit that ranked near the bottom of the league in most major categories.
From Worst to First: The Anarumo Way
When Anarumo joined forces with Zac Taylor in Cincinnati back in 2019, the Bengals boasted the worst record in the AFC North. Within two years, he had molded a young, unproven squad into a defensive powerhouse that propelled the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance in over three decades.
His ability to maximize talent and install a cohesive, aggressive scheme turned heads around the league. Now, the Colts are banking on Anarumo to bring that same magic touch to the Circle City and resurrect a once-proud defense that has lost its way in recent years.
Repeating The Process
Indy finds itself in a similar position to those pre-Anarumo Bengals: loaded with potential but severely underperforming. The Colts ranked a woeful 29th in yards allowed (361.2 per game) and 24th in points surrendered last season under previous DC Gus Bradley.
While the personnel is there, with rising stars like Darius Leonard and DeForest Buckner, the unit lacked cohesion and consistently buckled in key situations. Sound familiar? It’s the exact scenario Anarumo inherited—and promptly rectified—in Cincinnati.
Lou has a proven track record of turning defenses around in short order. His ability to teach and motivate is second to none. We’re confident he’s the right man to get us back to a championship level.
– Colts HC Shane Steichen on the Anarumo hire
The Path Forward
Priority number one for Anarumo will be improving a putrid red zone defense. The Colts finished dead last in 2024, hemorrhaging touchdowns at an alarming rate whenever opponents sniffed the end zone.
He’ll also need to generate a more consistent pass rush to alleviate pressure on a young, mistake-prone secondary. If anyone can mold this individual talent into a formidable unit, it’s the man who turned the Bengals around in record time.
- Strengthen the defensive front
- Simplify coverages and assignments
- Preach fundamentals and discipline
These are just a few of the tenets Anarumo will prioritize as he begins the arduous process of rebuilding the Colts defense from the ground up. It won’t happen overnight, but if his tenure in Cincy is any indication, don’t be surprised to see Indy back among the league’s elite sooner than later.
A Defensive Mastermind
Anarumo’s coaching journey began at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy way back in 1989, followed by stints with Harvard, Marshall, and Purdue at the collegiate level. He first broke into the NFL ranks with the Dolphins in 2012 before joining Taylor’s new regime in Cincinnati seven years later.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from some incredible mentors over the years. Guys like Nick Saban and Mike Zimmer really shaped my defensive philosophy. Now I have the chance to put my own stamp on things in Indy.
– Lou Anarumo on his coaching influences
Fiery and meticulous with an acute attention to detail, Anarumo has earned a reputation as a players’ coach who demands accountability but also fosters genuine relationships in the locker room. His defenses are known for their physicality, versatility, and relentless pursuit of the ball.
The Bottom Line
For a Colts squad that has struggled mightily to forge a defensive identity in recent years, the addition of Lou Anarumo is a potential game-changer. His track record speaks for itself, and the opportunity to mold a unit brimming with individual talent must be a tantalizing proposition for the veteran coach.
If he can work the same magic he did in Cincinnati—a tall task but certainly not an impossible one—Indy could be poised for a rapid resurgence in the AFC. The first step was admitting there was a problem. Hiring Anarumo shows they’re serious about fixing it.
Only time will tell if this proves to be a stroke of genius or just another shuffle of the coaching carousel. But for a Colts team desperate to return to contender status, rolling the dice on a proven commodity like Anarumo is a risk well worth taking.
