Patriots prospect rumored to accept AFC team coordinator job

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

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

Cincinnati’s defense failed to live up to that standard last season, ranking 25th in yards allowed (5,921) and 25th in total points allowed (434) as the Bengals finished third in the league. AFC North with a 9-8 record. Still, that hasn’t stopped Anarumo from hitting the open market as one of the hottest commodities for teams, including the Patriots, looking for a new defensive coordinator ahead of 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 have 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 record, last place in the division and third straight playoff failure . 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 for improvement in the coaching department.

The Patriots will enter a third straight season with a different head coach at the top of the line, aiming to maintain the roaring boos and “Fire Mayo” chants that have drowned out the team at Gillette Stadium throughout the year, in the past.

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