Bengals Fire Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo Amid Struggles

The Cincinnati Bengals have fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, along with offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebackers coach James Bettcher, and defensive line coach Marion Hobby, according to league sources. The move comes after a disappointing 2024 season where the Bengals’ defense struggled despite significant investments in talent.

Anarumo, who joined the Bengals in 2019 alongside head coach Zac Taylor, had previously served as the interim defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2015. Under his leadership, the Bengals’ defense improved from one of the league’s worst to a top-ten unit by 2022, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance. However, the defense regressed in 2023 and 2024, particularly in pass defense and tackling.