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Bengals Fire DC Lou Anarumo, Finish 9-8 Despite Late Surge

Jan 6, 2025, 03:25 PM

The Cincinnati Bengals have fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after six seasons with the team, along with offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebackers coach James Bettcher, and defensive line coach Marion Hobby. The decision comes after the Bengals missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year, finishing the season with a 9-8 record despite a late-season five-game winning streak. Anarumo, who had been with the team since head coach Zac Taylor's arrival in 2019, saw his defense struggle significantly, particularly early in the season, allowing 24 or more points in nine of the first 12 games. The defense ranked 25th in total defense and tied for 26th in points allowed, giving up 348.3 yards and 25.5 points per game, respectively. Quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked 48 times during the season. Taylor expressed that the move was necessary to improve the team's performance, stating, 'He's been a big reason why we've had a lot of success. Just felt like we needed to perform better as a football team.' The changes signal a desire for a new direction on the defensive side of the ball as the Bengals aim to support quarterback Joe Burrow and return to playoff contention.