The Cincinnati Bengals entered the season expecting to light the NFL on fire behind the three-headed dragon of quarterback Joe Burrow and dangerous receiving threats Tee Higgins and Ja’Maar Chase. However, things didn’t quite pan out the way.
Although the Bengals recovered from their slow start to the season and won their final five games, they still narrowly missed the playoffs after the Denver Broncos clinched the seventh and final playoff spot with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to one prominent league insider, Cincinnati is making a major shakeup to its coaching staff after the disappointing season.
“Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, per source,” reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, per source. pic.twitter.com/2GnXHTgOZs
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2025
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Wherever Ben Johnson ends up as a head coach, Lou Anarumo should be at the top of his list to run the defense. This would allow Johnson to focus more on the offensive side of the ball,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Scape goat. He’s the only reason our defense was acceptable the last 5 weeks. Until we improve the players nothing will change,” one fan added.
“That’s a mistake. He was fine, they gave him half a roster to make a defense out of… bad decision, he’s gonna be in Jacksonville or somewhere creating another monster defense,” wrote someone else.
“Duke Tobin should go with him. You can only build a defense off what you’re given. Letting guy after guy walk isn’t how you build a roster. Lou probably breathing sighs of relief,” another fan added.
It’ll be interesting to see who replaces Anarumo for the Bengals.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.