The Bengals fell just short of the playoffs this year, and at least one notable coaching change has taken place as a result. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has been fired, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 
Other staffers are also out. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports offensive line coach Frank Pollack, along with linebackers coach James Bettcher and D-line coach Marion Hobby have been fired. Cincinnati’s defensive staff in particular will certainly look much different in 2025.
Anarumo had been in place with the Bengals since head coach Zac Taylor‘s arrival in 2019. His unit has generally not delivered strong rankings in total or scoring defense (with 2022 being a notable exception), and that remained the case this season. Cincinnati finished the year on a five-game winning streak based in large part on Joe Burrow and the offense, but the team’s earlier struggles were centered on defensive shortcomings.
Overall, the Bengals finished the year ranked 25th in terms of points and yards allowed per game. Injuries (especially at the cornerback spot) hindered the effectiveness of the team’s secondary and continued a trend predating 2024 of big plays allowed in the passing game. While some standouts were in place – including Trey Hendrickson leading the NFL in sacks with 17.5 – it would not come as a surprise if several roster changes were to be made on defense this offseason.
That will of course be difficult since Ja’Marr Chase will again be looking for an extension and fellow wideout Tee Higgins is a pending free agent. Hendrickson is under contract for 2025 but none of his base salary for the year is guaranteed, so he will resume his efforts to secure an extension (after they fell short last offseason). Addressing those areas will use up much of the Bengals’ cap resources.
The team’s offseason efforts will now include finding a replacement for Anarumo. The 58-year-old had a lengthy career in the college ranks before taking his first NFL gig with the Dolphins in 2012. He worked as Miami’s defensive backs coach for six years, a stretch which also included an interim defensive coordinator opportunity. After one year as DBs coach with the Giants, he took his first coordinator position with the Bengals. Anarumo drew head coaching interest in 2022 and ’23, with Bettcher being named last summer as a potential successor in the event he departed. Now, both are on the lookout for a new gig.
Of course, today’s news means Taylor is likely safe to coach a seventh season in Cincinnati. A trip to the Super Bowl was followed in 2022 by an AFC title game appearance. Over the past two years, though, the Bengals have gone 9-8 and fallen short of a postseason berth. Taking a step forward will be the goal in 2025, but that effort will include several new faces on the sidelines.
lol long overdue
He had good seasons in the past, but this year was a disaster. Keeping Burrow, Chase, and Higgins together would look more viable if their defensive picks from the last few drafts were living up to their slots.
Yeah, that’s true, but I actually don’t blame Anarumo for that. He’s not stocking the roster. Duke Tobin has done a good job generally finding players, but the Bengals lost a few high quality starters this past offseason (Awuzie wasn’t great, but he fit their system well, and Reader was a reliable presence inside) that weren’t replaced. Hubbard has had good seasons, but Cincy could have definitely upgraded there for a full time starter, and it was thought by many that they would (I like Hubbard as a player, to be clear). Bell is not really a starter to me at this point. There are areas that they needed additions that weren’t addressed (another corner would have been great to see, or a top end safety beyond Stone to replace Bates’ departure).
I just can’t say that I looked at Anarumo’s defense and said, “Man, this guy’s wasting a lot of talent.” Bettcher I’ve never been impressed with, that much I can say. To be honest, I’ve never really thought that Taylor took full advantage of his offensive pieces, and though he’s not terrible, I don’t think that he elevated the franchise, either. That’s just as much responsible for this year as Anarumo’s failure, but Anarumo will pay the price this year. In a way, it’s fair, but I suppose I see the issue as tied to more than just the coordinator.
Tag and trade higgins. You already have some cheap options to replace him in Iosvias and Burton.
If you’re not gonna extend Hendrickson I’d trade him too coming off a career year. Could probably get a Jared Allen package of a 1st and change if he agrees to an extension with his new team.
Gotta rebuild the defense with some cheap contracts and need their young guys to in Turner Hill Britt Jenkins Murphy to live up to their draft status.
Far as DC. Chris Harris should get a shot. Former great DB with the broncos. Had success with Tennessee secondary this year oddly enough. Be the perfect guy to unlock Hill Turner Britt I think
That’s a different Chris Harris coaching for the Titans. The former Broncos CB is not in the coaching ranks at present.
I think that Chris Harris is the former Bears standout.
You don’t say.
Blame the coach, not the personnel. You can’t lose Ogunjobi and Reader to free agency and replace them w with a guy who spends over half the season on IR. Nobody was scared to run the ball on the Bengals and the secondary can’t be expected to cover guys for an hour while the QB stands in the backfield drinking a Pepsi and eating Doritos waiting for someone to get open. Bell has definitely lost a step and they miss Awuzie more than they care to say. If I was a defensive player I would be hanging my head because y’all got a man fired. If they played the first 16 games like they did the last one the Bengals would be sitting pretty in the playoffs. Sheldon Rankin is a stiff, and plays like a cardboard cutout. Keep Hill and Hendrickson and maybe Hilton and start fresh. AND fire that goober Zac Taylor. He calls a play and gains 50 yards then calls 5 running plays. You have a QB, a great one, and you rely on a running back by committee. Burrow is winning games with an anchor tied around his neck named Zac Taylor. They don’t win because of him it’s in spite of his lack of creativity. Where’s Sam Wyche when you need him. (RIP Sam) Sorry, my rant for the day is so long.
Agreed, entirely.
This is a spot where Eberflus would have success as DC.
How on Earth does Taylor keep a job?
Cause the defense sucked ass
He was on a short list for AZ two yrs ago but declined to stay in Cin
Anarumo is the fall guy for the team not drafting well the past few seasons, even knowing they would hafta let guys go while giving Burrow and Chase beaucoup bucks coming off their rookie contracts. It also doesn’t help having cheap ownership….