The Cincinnati Bengals are making at least a few changes after their late-season push fell short of the playoffs.
The Bengals on Monday fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the team confirmed. Offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebackers coach James Bettcher and defensive line coach Marion Hobby have also been dismissed.
“Those were extremely hard moves for me to make,” Taylor said. “Those are all men that I have a ton of respect for, been through really high, exciting times with, and do not take those decisions lightly. And (I) appreciate all that those guys brought to the table because they’re like brothers to me, they worked hard every single day. And those were not easy decisions to make. We’ll work to make those hires as soon as possible when that time is appropriate.”
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).
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The Bengals missed the playoffs and finished 9-8 for the second consecutive season.
