Lou Anarumo's next opportunity may reunite him with a player he never wanted the Bengals to lose
Nearly two years ago, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo kept it when describing how much he didn't want safety Jessie Bates III (and Vonn Bell) leaving in free agency. "I’d rather not think about that dark day," Anarumo bluntly said about losing Bates and Bell at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Anarumo eventually […]
Nearly two years ago, former Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo kept it when describing how much he didn't want safety Jessie Bates III (and Vonn Bell) leaving in free agency.
"I’d rather not think about that dark day," Anarumo bluntly said about losing Bates and Bell at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
Anarumo eventually had to watch the clouds form over Paycor Stadium when Bates left for the Atlanta Falcons two weeks later. Fate could have them both reunited here pretty shortly with Anarumo now looking for his next opportunity.
Per NFL Media's Colleen Wolfe, Anarumo is set to interview for the Falcons' defensive coordinator position this week.
Anarumo didn't draft Bates as he was hired by the Bengals right after Bates' rookie season, but he did help develop the now Pro Bowl free safety into the stud he's become. Bates never received any major accolades in Cincinnati but was named a Pro Bowler in 2023 after posting career-highs in interceptions (6) and forced fumbles (3). He posted four of each in 2024 along with his first-career sack.
One could argue that Bates' production has been enhanced now that he's out of Anarumo's defense, but the scheme Anarumo wanted to run in Cincinnati worked best when he had one of the game's best safeties to help run it on the field. Dax Hill, Nick Scott, Geno Stone, and an older version of Bell all fell short in comparison over the past two years.
Anarumo is obviously more than just the guy who coached Bates for four years, but Atlanta will be looking to see if a reunion makes sense sometime this week. The Falcons began looking for a new DC after firing Jimmy Lake late last week. Lake, a former head coach at the University of Washington and assistant head coach for the Los Angeles Rams, spent only one year on the job.
Anarumo will also be interviewing for the same position with the Indianapolis Colts this week as well.
Where the Bengals stand with their defensive coordinator search one week after firing Lou Anarumo
Cincinnati is still vetting its options.
