Different staffers are additionally out. Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports offensive line coach Frank Pollack, together with linebackers coach James Bettcher and D-line coach Marion Passion, have been fired. Cincinnati’s defensive workers, specifically, will definitely look a lot totally different in 2025.
Anarumo had been in place with the Bengals since head coach Zac Taylor‘s arrival in 2019. His unit has typically not delivered sturdy rankings in whole or scoring protection (with 2022 being a notable exception), and that remained the case this season. Cincinnati completed the 12 months on a five-game successful streak primarily based largely on Joe Burrow and the offense, however the crew’s earlier struggles have been centered on defensive shortcomings.
Total, the Bengals completed the 12 months ranked twenty fifth by way of factors and yards allowed per recreation. Accidents (particularly on the cornerback spot) hindered the effectiveness of the crew’s secondary and continued a development predating 2024 of massive performs allowed within the passing recreation. Whereas some standouts have been in place — together with Trey Hendrickson main the NFL in sacks with 17.5 — it could not come as a shock if a number of roster adjustments have been to be made on protection this offseason.
That can, in fact, be troublesome since Ja’Marr Chase will once more be in search of an extension, and fellow wideout Tee Higgins is a pending free agent. Hendrickson is below contract for 2025, however none of his base wage for the 12 months is assured, so he’ll resume his efforts to safe an extension (after they fell quick final offseason). Addressing these areas will deplete a lot of the Bengals’ cap sources.
The crew’s offseason efforts will now embrace discovering a alternative for Anarumo. The 58-year-old had a prolonged profession within the faculty ranks earlier than taking his first NFL gig with the Dolphins in 2012. He labored as Miami’s defensive backs coach for six years, a stretch which additionally included an interim defensive coordinator alternative.
After one 12 months as a DBs coach with the Giants, he took his first coordinator place with the Bengals. Anarumo drew head-coaching curiosity in 2022 and 2023, with Bettcher being named last summer as a potential successor within the occasion he departed. Now, each are looking out for a brand new gig.
In fact, Monday’s information means Taylor is probably going protected to educate a seventh season in Cincinnati. A visit to the Tremendous Bowl within the 2021 season was adopted by an AFC title recreation look. Over the previous two years, although, the Bengals have gone 9-8 and fallen in need of a postseason berth. Taking a step ahead would be the objective in 2025, however that effort will embrace a number of new faces on the sidelines.
