Shane Steichen Hires Former Bengals DC Lou Anarumo as New Colts Defensive Coordinator
The Indianapolis Colts have hired former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Gus Bradley, who was let go after three seasons of disappointing results. Anarumo, who was fired by the Bengals after their 9-8 finish in 2024, was hired after an interview with Steichen and joins the Colts’ coaching staff after a 2024 season marked by defensive struggles.
Under Bradley, the Colts’ defense went from being a mid-level unit to one of the worst in the league over the past three seasons. They finished 24th in 2023 and 29th in 2024, a fall that led to Bradley’s termination. Anarumo’s departure from the Bengals was similarly accompanied by disappointing defensive results, but he did steady the unit down the stretch with a strong performance in their final five games of the season.
Despite these recent struggles, Anarumo brings a reputation and resume that was attractive enough for him to secure interviews with two NFL teams during the hiring cycle. His first task will be to turn around the Colts’ defense and get them back on track, as they aim for a playoff return in 2025. Anarumo and Steichen have a shared goal of guiding the Colts back to the postseason with complementary football on both sides of the ball.