The Cincinnati Bengals are making at least a few changes after their late-season push fell short of the playoffs.
The Bengals are firing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, according to multiple reports. Offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebackers coach James Bettcher and defensive line coach Marion Hobby have also been dismissed, according to The Athletic.
Anarumo, 58, had been one of the most highly regarded defensive architects in the NFL the past few seasons. He was a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching job that eventually went to Jonathan Gannon after the 2022 season.
But the Bengals’ defense came undone this past season, with the unit proving to be a major hindrance in a season in which Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase helped keep the team’s playoff hopes alive into the final week. Despite defensive end Trey Hendrickson leading the NFL in sacks with 17 1/2, Cincinnati finished 25th in total defense (348.3 yards allowed per game) and scoring (25.5 points allowed per game).
The Bengals missed the playoffs and finished 9-8 for the second consecutive season.
All things Bengals: Latest Cincinnati Bengals news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.