INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have initiated a significant transformation of their defense, confirming a decision made two weeks earlier. On Monday, Lou Anarumo was brought on board as the new defensive coordinator, with an insider revealing the news under the condition of remaining unnamed, as the official announcement is yet to be made.
Anarumo takes over from Gus Bradley, who faced substantial criticism this season for the defense’s performance. Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner expressed his frustration by labeling this past defense as the worst he had experienced since joining the Colts in 2020.
General manager Chris Ballard took responsibility for the shortcomings, acknowledging that these issues contributed to the Colts’ failure to reach the playoffs for a fourth year in a row (finishing with an 8-9 record). “That falls on all of us,” Ballard stated on January 10, shortly after Bradley’s departure was confirmed. He emphasized that the team must improve both in player acquisitions and on-field performance to enhance their defensive capabilities.
Anarumo arrives at the Colts following six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he gained a reputation as a viable head coaching candidate after guiding the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021. His prospects dimmed in 2024, however, after the Bengals’ defense struggled, leading to his dismissal on January 6.
This new opportunity comes as the Colts prepare for further changes within their coaching staff. They have already announced the departures of defensive backs coach Ron Milus and linebackers coach Richard Smith. Additionally, Ballard faces the challenge of free agency, as key players, including linebacker E.J. Speed, safety Julian Blackmon, and several vital backups, are set to enter the market.
Historically, Ballard has prioritized retaining players developed through the draft using the team’s salary cap space. However, he indicated a possible shift in strategy during his end-of-season press conference, stating, “We have to do a better job identifying the free agents we want to sign and then being able to close the deal on them. And that’s up to me.” He reassured that team owner Jim Irsay supports his approach moving forward.
Buckner, a team leader, seeks to play an instrumental role in the recruitment process this offseason, aiming to attract free agents who can return the Colts to playoff contention. While the specific changes in defensive strategy under Anarumo remain to be seen, Buckner has expressed the need for team sacrifice and better accountability among players. “We all have egos, but great teams check that ego at the door,” he remarked, acknowledging that improvement is a collective responsibility for the unit moving forward.
