The Indianapolis Colts won't have to try to replace defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo this offseason.
The Indianapolis Colts don't have to go through the arduous task of finding a new defensive coordinator this offseason, as it appears Lou Anarumo is staying aboard for another year.
After recently interviewing for head-coaching roles with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants, which were filled by other candidates, Anarumo also recently interviewed for the freshly-opened Buffalo Bills' head-coaching spot. However, the Bills announced on Tuesday that they have hired offensive coordinator Joe Brady as their new head coach.
The Bills fired former head coach Sean McDermott last week after the team's latest early playoff exit. In nine seasons, McDermott's Bills went 98-50 in the regular season and 8-8 in the playoffs, but never got past the AFC Championship game. Last Wednesday, Bills owner Terry Pegula told reporters that he felt the team had "hit the proverbial playoff wall."
“Certainly, I'd lie to you if I said down the road, that wasn't something that would be a career goal," Anarumo answered in November regarding his name being mentioned as a head-coaching candidate, while then deflecting attention to that week's opponent.
Now, it appears those aspirations may be put on hold until 2027.
The Colts' defense in 2025 was a polarizing group to fans, but an improvement from previous coordinator Gus Bradley, nonetheless. The Colts finished 23rd in yards (349.8 YPG) and tied-20th in scoring (24.2 PPG).
Colts decision-makers believe in the direction in which the defense (and the team) is moving after dealing with injuries throughout the year to key players such as defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (missed seven games), cornerback Charvarius Ward Sr. (missed 10 games), cornerback Sauce Gardner (missed most of five games), slot defender Kenny Moore II (missed three games), cornerback Justin Walley (missed whole season), and safety/linebacker Hunter Wohler (missed whole season).
Going into 2026, the second season for the defense under Anarumo, the Colts will look to get "younger and faster" on that side of the ball, according to general manager Chris Ballard.
Along with hopes that the returning injured players will be able to produce, the Colts will likely use numerous assets through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster the defensive side of the ball for Anarumo.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.