- Bengals fire defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and three other assistant coaches.
- Cincinnati’s defense ranked 25th in total defense and scoring during the 2024 season.
- Quarterback Joe Burrow led the NFL in passing touchdowns and yards despite injury setbacks.
- Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase achieved the receiving triple crown with record-breaking stats.
- Defensive struggles overshadowed career seasons from top Bengals players.
The Cincinnati Bengals are making sweeping changes to their coaching staff after falling short of the playoffs for the second straight season. According to multiple reports, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has been fired, along with offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebackers coach James Bettcher, and defensive line coach Marion Hobby. These decisions mark a significant shift in strategy as the Bengals seek to address persistent issues on the defensive side of the ball.
Lou Anarumo, 58, had earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds in recent years. He was instrumental in transforming the Bengals into an AFC powerhouse and played a key role in their journey to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. Despite his prior success, the team’s defensive struggles this season proved insurmountable.
Defensive Struggles Prompt Overhaul
The Bengals’ defense faltered in 2024, finishing 25th in total defense and scoring defense, allowing 348.3 yards and 25.5 points per game, respectively. Even with standout performances from defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, the unit struggled in critical moments.
Cincinnati ranked 30th in defensive red zone efficiency and 26th in points allowed per drive, according to ESPN Research. These rankings highlighted the defense’s inability to perform under pressure, which became a recurring issue throughout the season.
Anarumo’s defense showed flashes of brilliance during a late-season five-game win streak, ranking fifth in opposing scoring defense during that stretch. However, the overall inconsistency throughout the season overshadowed those improvements. The Bengals missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record, repeating their performance from the previous year.
Offensive Stars Overshadowed by Defensive Woes
Despite the team’s defensive issues, Bengals stars delivered career-defining seasons. Quarterback Joe Burrow, returning from wrist surgery on his throwing hand, led the NFL with 43 passing touchdowns and 4,918 passing yards. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase achieved the receiving triple crown, leading the league in receptions (127), receiving yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17).
These remarkable performances, coupled with Hendrickson’s dominance on defense, kept Cincinnati’s playoff hopes alive until the final week. However, the defensive lapses proved too significant to overcome, forcing the Bengals to make drastic changes to their coaching staff.
Future Outlook for Cincinnati
The Bengals now face the challenge of rebuilding their coaching staff to support their talented roster. Head coach Zac Taylor, who brought Anarumo on board in 2019, must find new leadership to revitalize the defense. This will be a critical step in addressing the team’s ongoing struggles and preparing for future success.
The organization will look to maximize the potential of its star players while addressing critical weaknesses on both sides of the ball. With a strong foundation built around Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, the team has the talent to remain competitive. However, strategic changes are necessary to turn potential into consistent wins.
These coaching changes mark a pivotal moment for Cincinnati as the team seeks to return to the postseason and contend for another Super Bowl run. While the pieces are in place for success, building a capable and cohesive coaching staff will be key to unlocking the team’s full potential.