What Does Lou Amarumo Bring to the Indianapolis Colts?

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On Monday afternoon the Indianapolis Colts signed Lou Anarumo to replace Gus Bradley as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Just a couple years ago, he was being interviewed as a potential head coach for several teams. Following the Super Bowl run, the Bengals had to cut ties with some key players in order to pay Joe Burrow, Trey Hendrickson, and free agent offensive lineman.

Indianapolis becomes his second defensive coordinator job in the NFL.

• Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Coordinator (2019-2024)
• New York Giants Defensive Back Coach (2018
• Miami Dolphins Interim Defensive Coordinator (2015)
• Miami Dolphins Defensive Backs Coach (2012-2017)
• Purdue Defensive Backs Coach (2004-2011)
• Marshall Defensive Backs Coach (2011-2003)
• Harvard Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs/Special Teams (1995-200)
• Merchant Marine Defensive Coordinator & Defensive Backs Coach (1992-1994)
• Syracuse Graduate Assistant & Assistant Defensive Backs Coach (1990-1991)
• Wagner Running Backs Coach (1989)

Anarumo, 58, is considered to be one of the most respected coaches in the league by players and his peers. Eli Apple called him a “mad scientist” in 2023 after Cincinnati shut down Josh Allen in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. He also has been one of the few coordinators that has had consistent success against Kansas City since Patrick Mahomes has taken over as the team’s starting quarterback.

When it comes to the Bengals statistically underneath Anarumo, you can see when Cincinnati lost some its key defensive players.

Bengals Defensive Rankings (2024 → 2019)

• Points Per Game – 25th, 21st, 6th, 17th, 22nd, 25th
• Yards Per Game – 25th, 31st, 16th, 18th, 26th, 29th
• Pass Yards Per Game – 21st, 28th, 23rd, 26th, 19th, 21st
• Rush Yards Per Game – 19th, 26th, 7th, 5th, 29th, 32nd

With how the Colts roster is currently constructed defensively, this is going to be a very important offseason for Chris Ballard to supply Anarumo with players that fit his system.

• CB Mike Hilton
• DE Joseph Ossai
• DE Cameron Sample
• DT B.J. Hill
• SS Vonn Bell

All of the players above are defensive free agents this offseason for Cincinnati. Back when Gus Bradley was hired, Indianapolis went out and signed Yannick Ngakoue because of his previous work with Bradley in Jacksonville and Las Vegas.

The Colts need to add depth to their cornerback room, find a starting safety opposite of Nick Cross, safety depth, and decide if they want to replace E.J. Speed with Jaylon Carlies or bring Speed back.

On Query & Company Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Ben Baby and Stephen Holder joined the program to explains why Colts fans will like Anarumo, what position group is the most important with his scheme, and how much say he had in Cincinnati with personnel decisions.

To listen to Jake Query and Jimmy Cook’s conversations with Stephen Holder and Ben Baby, download the podcast containing the conversation below! You can always listen to the Query & Company from 12pm-3pm on 93.5/107.5 The Fan. You can also watch and interact with the show by going to the 107.5 The Fan YouTube Channel.