Find out what ‘The Mad Scientist’ could bring to Indianapolis defensively.
The six-year coordinator was once nicknamed ‘The Mad Scientist’ by his players for his efforts against high-powered offenses. Get to know the game-planning savant who isn’t afraid to pivot in-game as he sees fit.
Anarumo specializes in coaching defensive backs and would begin his NFL coaching career alongside now-Bengals HC Zac Taylor in Miami as the DB’s Coach (2012-2017).
He then served as the Giants DBs Coach in 2018 before landing his first DC gig by joining Taylor’s first staff back in 2019.
When it comes to schematic differences, Anarumo’s defensive philosophy offers a significant change from that of Gus Bradley’s simplistic C3 ways. His multiple scheme, which is widely known for its ever-changing adjustments, was instrumental in Cincinnati’s SB run.
Thinking Football, a YouTube channel dedicated to covering the NFL’s constantly evolving ways, did a breakdown of Lou Anarumo’s philosophy and offered a quote that, in my opinion, perfectly encapsulates what he’s all about.
“He shapeshifts and camouflages his defense based on the opponent, presenting teams with a barrage of looks and then adjusting to hammer home the advantage. Anarumo’s defense is ‘coverage agnostic.’”
Anarumo’s ability to limit the NFL’s best offenses, and particularly its quarterback(s), proves that his value in schematic flexibility is key for success in the modern NFL.
“Whether it’s in college or now in the NFL, [when] you play elite quarterbacks, you just can’t give them the same picture,” Anarumo told ESPN. “You just gotta keep changing it and just attempt to keep those guys off balance.”
While Anarumo’s 2024 Bengals defense was certainly a step back from recent years, the personnel in which he was provided proved to be unfit.
Lacking a true nose tackle as well as a youthful defensive backfield resulted in an Anaruma era-high 146 missed tackles, though his unit did rebound late in 2024.
One thing that you are not hearing from NFL pundits is the growth in that defense in the last quarter of the year.
Outside of Hendrickson, he had very little to work with once Reader left.
Losing Bates a couple of years ago also hurt.
It was more about the roster.
— pic.twitter.com/CBq1ZxTtHT— Cody Alexander (@The_Coach_A) January 9, 2025
Statistically speaking, points-per-game averages had been the crux of the Anaruma era in Cincinnati, but his defense’s ability to rebound in red zone touchdown percentage and/or takeaways kept them afloat during trying times.
Here’s how Anaruma’s Bengals fared in points per game, red zone touchdown percentage, and turnovers forced.
2019: 25th, 3rd, 28th
2020: 22nd, 25th, 27th
2021: 17th, 17th, T-17th
2022: T-5th, T-5th, T-11th
2023: 21st, 10th, T-11th
2024: 25th, 30th, T-7th
For what it’s worth, and to provide more insight to the previous personnel side of things, what follows are the tenures of each key member of his Bengals defenses: Safety Jessie Bates (2019-2022), DT DJ Reader (2020-2023), NLCB Mike Hilton (2021-2024), LB Logan Wilson (2020-2024), and DE Trey Hendrickson (2021-2024).
Lastly, the Xs and Os, while a massive aspect of overall coordination, are only a sliver of what goes into manning an entire side of the ball. Anarumo may not qualify as a traditional ‘players coach,’ but his genuine approach has certainly played a positive factor.
“You feel empowered as a player when you play for Lou.” -DJ Reader
Learn more about Lou Anarumo’s relationship and strong bond with the team.
Behind The Stripes | @Tostitos pic.twitter.com/wjXdpRdfcf
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 29, 2022
Only time will tell if general manager Chris Ballard will pivot from his previous ways to help provide the necessary tools for whichever defensive coordinator ends up in Indianapolis. History suggests that he won’t, however, Ballard is currently sitting on a flaming hot chair with his back against the wall. If he wants to right his near decade-long wrongs, a change in philosophy from his end is necessary.
