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It has been a long search for the Bengals to find the right candidate for their defensive coordinator vacancy. They finally accomplished that feat by hiring Lou Anarumo. He is coming over from the Giants after coaching their defensive backs for a year.
Anarumo and Zac Taylor previously coached together with the Dolphins where both finished the 2015 season as interim coordinators for their respective sides of the ball. Aside from that, Anarumo has never been a defensive coordinator at the NFL level. He has been an assistant coach in the NFL since 2012, which started on Miami’s staff.
After the Dolphins brought in a new coaching staff for the 2016 season, Anarumo returned to coach defensive backs for one more season before leaving for the Giants following the 2017 season.
In his one season in New York, Anarumo got positive production from the Giants’ secondary. Though the defense ranked 23rd in passing yards per game (252.8 yards), they had the seventh-most interceptions (16) and allowed the 13th lowest amount of passing touchdown (24). It wasn’t great by any means, but there is some success to work with there.
Taylor has clearly favored guys he has worked with in the past, which makes sense since he knows them the best. Regardless, it’s been a turbulent search for his defensive coordinator. Several names were rumored, but the Bengals either couldn’t get them in for interview or they found they weren’t good fits. There was also the Todd Grantham tease, but that’s all in the rear view mirror.
All can be forgiven if Anarumo comes in and helps turn around a defense that was easily one of the worst in the NFL last season despite having plenty of talent.
Do you think Anarumo is the right guy to take over as the Bengals defensive coordinator?
Poll
Do you approve of Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator?
This poll is closed
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21%
I think he is a great hire!
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22%
They could have done better
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29%
I’m just happy they finally have a defensive coordinator
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27%
I’m not blown away, but they could have done worse