Cincinnati Bengals fire defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after narrowly missing playoffs


The Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and offensive line coach Frank Pollack on Monday.

Cincinnati (9-8) missed the AFC playoffs, falling short despite a five-game winning streak late in the season.

Anarumo has been the Bengals' defensive coordinator since Zac Taylor became head coach in 2019.

He was a finalist for head coaching jobs just two years ago, when the Bengals were coming off back-to-back appearances in the AFC Championship Game.

It's the latest move made by NFL teams on Black Monday, with the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars also making big coaching calls.

The Bengals were repeatedly torched during a 4-8 start to the 2024 season.

The Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo (right) and offensive line coach Frank Pollack.

The Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo (right) and offensive line coach Frank Pollack.

Anarumo has been the Bengals' defensive coordinator since Zac Taylor (above) became coach

Anarumo has been the Bengals' defensive coordinator since Zac Taylor (above) became coach

They lost one-score games in which they allowed 34 points to the Chargers, 35 and 41 to the Ravens, 38 to the Commanders and 44 to the Steelers.

Cincinnati finished the season ranked 25th in total defense, allowing 348.3 yards per game, and tied for 26th in points allowed, allowing 25.5 per game.

Defensive line coach Marion Hobby and linebackers coach James Bettcher were also fired Monday, as was Pollack.

Pollack was on his second tour of duty in Cincinnati and has also coached for the Jets, Cowboys and Raiders.

Quarterback Joe Burrow was sacked 48 times in 2024 after Cincinnati allowed 50 total sacks in 2023.



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By Kevin Rogers

Kevin is a seasoned sports journalist with 15 years of experience covering major leagues, including the NFL, NBA, and MLB. His dynamic commentary and expert game analysis connect with fans across all sports, ensuring reliable and engaging coverage. Phone: +1 (212) 574-9823

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