Rumored Patriots Candidate Accepts Coordinator Job With AFC Team

The search for the next defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots continues as the franchise can officially cross Lou Anarumo off their candidate list.

Anarumo, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, agreed to join head coach Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini. The 58-year-old lasted six seasons with Cincinnati and was responsible for constructing a strong Bengals defense that propelled the franchise to a Super Bowl LVI appearance.

Cincinnati’s defense didn’t live up to that standard this past season, ranking 25th in yards allowed (5,921) and 25th in total points allowed (434) as the Bengals finished third in the AFC North at 9-8. Still, that didn’t prevent Anarumo from entering the open market as one of the hottest commodities for teams, including the Patriots, seeking a new defensive coordinator heading into the 2025 campaign.

Now, head coach Mike Vrabel, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf and the rest of New England’s front office will need to pivot. Vrabel was the biggest offseason need, but Jerod Mayo isn’t the only departure the organization had to make following its second straight 4-13, last-in-the-division finish and third consecutive playoff miss. The Patriots ranked second-to-last in yards per game (291.1) and 23rd in yards allowed per game (343.4), leaving plenty of room to improve in the coaching department.

The Patriots will enter a third straight season with a different head coach leading the sideline, aiming to keep the roaring boos and “Fire Mayo” chants that drowned the team at Gillette Stadium throughout the year, in the past.

New England also parted ways with offensive line coach Scott Peters officially on Monday as the 46-year-old joined the Bengals.