Big housecleaning underway in Ohio. This Monday, the Cincinnati Bengals fired not one, not two, not three, but four members of their staff. The “lucky” ones elected are offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebackers coach James Bettcher, defensive line coach Marion Hobby, and especially defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Head coach Zach Taylor is spared from the purge and should in all likelihood continue in his role.
Lou Anarumo pays the price
Despite a cannonball end to the season, the Bengals failed to qualify for the playoffs. Boasting one of the most powerful offenses in the league, eyes inevitably turn to the defense and its coordinator, Lou Anarumo. According to Adam Schefter ofESPNCincinnati will therefore find someone new to lead its defense next season.
Anarumo was hired on head coach Zac Taylor's initial team in 2019, and his work helped the team win the AFC title in 2021. Those strong performances led him to head coaching interviews, but the end of the Bengals' 2023 season was detrimental to him. The situation has not improved in 2024, with the defense ranked 25th in points conceded. The Bengals will therefore have to find someone else to lead the defense led by Trey Hendrickson and his 17.5 sacks.
