Lou Anarumo gets one step closer to leaving the Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are closer than ever to losing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo as the successful coach is slowly emerging as a finalist for a head coaching opening. Anarumo had interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the process and is now scheduled for a second interview, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Per Ian Rapoport, Anarumo […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are closer than ever to losing defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo as the successful coach is slowly emerging as a finalist for a head coaching opening.
Anarumo had interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the process and is now scheduled for a second interview, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Per Ian Rapoport, Anarumo is just the "first of a few" candidates that will advance to a second round of conversations. Among others, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is expected to be involved, too.
While the NFL decision-makers are generally opting for offensive-minded coaches more and more, Anarumo's stellar work on defense has earned him the right to compete for the Cardinals' opening.
His defense has managed to stop elite quarterbacks with a healthy dose of disguised coverages and creative pressure packages.
The Bengals defensive coordinator's work has been evident in the biggest of stages, like last year's AFC Championship Game when he famously kept Patrick Mahomes from doing much while dropping eight into coverage.
But Mahomes isn't the only top-tier QB Anarumo has frustrated. Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Aaron Rodgers are also on the list.
His secondary had the highest rate of "perfectly covered" dropbacks among Divisional Round teams in this year's playoffs. Anarumo's players are always ready and he consistently puts his players in a position to succeed with a very versatile scheme that keeps opponents guessing.
The Cardinals also interviewed Bengals OC Brian Callahan earlier in the year, proving that Arizona certainly likes what's gone down recently in Cincinnati.
Featured image via Cincinnati Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK
