Report: Colts hiring Anarumo as DC

The Indianapolis Colts are hiring former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo as their new DC, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Indianapolis began looking for a new head coach after deciding not to renew Gus Bradley's contract at the end of the 2024 season.

Bradley spent three years with the team, but his defensive unit didn't show much improvement and ranked in the bottom 10 for total points and yards allowed this past year. Indy's defense hasn't ranked in the top 10 for those categories in the same season since 2020.

Anarumo coordinated the Bengals' defense from 2019-2024. Cincinnati's defense lacked consistency under his watch, especially in the secondary, but the unit's in-season improvement stood out with Anarumo on the sideline. That helped Cincy reach the Super Bowl during the 2021 season before the club fell short against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Bengals decided to part ways with Anarumo after missing the playoffs in 2024 despite amazing seasons from quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Cincinnati ranked 25th in points allowed in 2024, a significant drop from sixth two years ago.