Why the Bengals are one step closer to some bad news this offseason
The Cincinnati Bengals are one step closer to some bad news. ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday night that Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is one of three known finalists for the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching job, along with Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are one step closer to some bad news.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reported on Sunday night that Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is one of three known finalists for the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching job, along with Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
Fowler also reported that Cincinnati offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is no longer in the mix for the Arizona job, but he's still a potential option for the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching job.
At this point in the offseason, the Bengals would be better off losing Callahan than Anarumo.
Cincinnati has a succession plan in place when it comes to the offensive coordinator role. Quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher could slide into Callahan's role and the offense likely wouldn't miss a beat (that's no disrespect to Callahan, it's just the advantage of having an offensive-minded head coach in Zac Taylor).
Losing Anarumo, however, wouldn't be ideal.
For starters, Anarumo has a unique defensive mind that wouldn't be easily replaced.
Secondly, some of the top defensive coordinator options have already accepted new jobs or they're on the verge of accepting a new job.
It wouldn't be easy to find a suitable replacement for Anarumo, plus whomever he would take with him from Cincinnati to Arizona.
There's still a chance the Cardinals could go with Flores or Kafka (or an unknown candidate). And while I'm sure Taylor would be happy for Anarumo if he lands the Cardinals job, I have no doubt he'd also be absolutely thrilled if he gets his defensive coordinator back for another season.
Featured image via Sam Greene-USA TODAY Sports
