The Buffalo Bills have reached out to the Indianapolis Colts with intentions to request an interview with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo as the franchise begins a search to fill its head coaching vacancy, per sources.
In the wake of another heartbreaking playoff loss, Bills ownership made it clear they are ready to turn the chapter. The Bills fired Sean McDermott following last Saturday’s overtime loss to the top-seeded Denver Broncos. Bills owner Terry Pegula mentioned the divisional round defeat ultimately accelerated ownership’s decision to move on from McDermott and search for new leadership.
Over nine seasons, McDermott compiled an impressive 98-50 record and guided the Bills to seven playoff appearances. Buffalo posted an 8-8 playoff record during that span and made it as far as the AFC Championship twice, ultimately falling short to the Kansas City Chiefs both times. Make no bones about it, the Bills have been perennial contenders in the last decade, but just couldn’t get over the hump on their quest to hoist their first Lombardi trophy.
The unpopular decision to move on from McDermott has thrust Anarumo, one of the league’s most respected defensive architects, onto Buffalo’s radar. A Staten Island native, Anarumo has built a four-decade coaching resume and earned a reputation as one of football’s most versatile defensive minds. Anarumo is known for disguising coverages, deploying timely blitzes and tailoring schemes to fit personnel rather than forcing rigid systems.
At 59, Anarumo has spent the last 14 seasons in the NFL with stops that include the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, followed by his first season with the Colts in 2025. In just one season under Anarumo, the Colts emerged as one of the league’s premier run-stopping units, ranking seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (101.9) and tied for second in yards per carry (3.9).
The Bills’ Achilles’ heel this season was their inability to defend the run, finishing among the NFL’s five worst run defenses. For a roster built to compete deep into January, Anarumo’s track record suggests he could provide an immediate solution.
Buffalo was not alone seeking to request an interview with the Colts’ DC. Anarumo drew interview requests this offseason from the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, before the Giants ultimately hired John Harbaugh and the Titans landed Robert Saleh.
For a longtime coach whose schematic creativity resonates in NFL locker rooms, Anarumo seems to be on the cusp of getting his first opportunity to lead a franchise. The Bills’ opening may be the most intriguing opportunity among the six current head coaching openings. Anarumo recently settled in Indianapolis, but the appeal of leading a roster headlined by an MVP-caliber quarterback like Josh Allen in his prime years, parlayed with the league’s top pass defense would be difficult to ignore. Buffalo’s championship window remains open, but the challenge becomes finding the correct voice to maximize their potential in 2026.
Anarumo is not the only name under consideration. Buffalo is also evaluating internal continuity with offensive coordinator Joe Brady, plus familiarity with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who spent four seasons as the Bills’ offensive coordinator. Another candidate on the Bills radar includes Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn.
For a franchise searching for answers beyond another playoff appearance, it’s become a Super Bowl or bust mentality for the front office. Anarumo’s blend including 36 years of experience, adaptability and versatility aligns with what the Bills have lacked when it matters most. Both of Indy’s coordinators have emerged as prime candidates to take positions elsewhere, but Anarumo could become the solution to help Buffalo finally get over the proverbial hump.
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