The Buffalo Bills are deep into their head coaching search, and on Thursday, they added another experienced name to the mix: Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Anarumo becomes the third official candidate to interview for the job, joining current Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and former Giants head coach Brian Daboll. It’s a diverse trio so far, each bringing a different flavor of experience and philosophy to the table. But Anarumo’s defensive résumé makes him a particularly intriguing option-especially for a team that’s long prided itself on physical, disciplined play on that side of the ball.
With 36 years of coaching experience under his belt, including 13 seasons in the NFL, Anarumo is no stranger to the grind or the spotlight. He just wrapped up his first season leading the defense in Indianapolis, but it was his six-year run as the Bengals’ defensive coordinator that really put him on the map.
In his final year with Cincinnati, his unit finished among the league’s best in key takeaway categories-ranking top 10 in interceptions, pick-sixes, and passes defensed. That’s not just solid defense; that’s opportunistic, game-changing football.
In Indianapolis, Anarumo’s impact was immediate. The Colts finished in the top 10 in several major defensive categories, including rushing yards allowed (seventh), yards per carry (tied for second), and passing yards allowed (second). That’s a well-rounded performance across the board-stopping the run, limiting big plays through the air, and doing it with consistency.
It’s no surprise, then, that Anarumo’s name has been circulating in other coaching searches. He was on the radar for both the Giants and Titans before they ultimately went with John Harbaugh and Robert Saleh, respectively. That kind of league-wide interest speaks volumes about how he’s viewed within NFL circles.
The Bills’ search is far from over, with several other candidates in the pipeline. Among them: Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Commanders running backs coach and run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. Each brings a different skill set, but the common thread is clear-Buffalo is casting a wide net, looking for a leader who can build on what Sean McDermott established while taking the franchise to the next level.
For now, Lou Anarumo has officially entered the chat. And with his track record of building tough, turnover-hungry defenses, he’s a name worth watching as the Bills zero in on their next head coach.