The Cincinnati Bengals are undergoing significant roster changes after failing to qualify for the postseason for the second straight year. The team’s disappointing performance has triggered major alterations, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Just one day after being eliminated from playoff contention, the Bengals parted ways with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Despite his respectable tenure, Anarumo's departure was anticipated, especially after the Bengals’ defense only finished within the top 15 once during his six seasons. Established as one of the team’s pivotal figures since head coach Zac Taylor’s arrival, Anarumo's unit failed to deliver strong rankings, culminating this season with the Bengals ranked 25th for points and yards allowed per game.
Even standout players weren’t enough to lift the Bengals’ defense, as the unit faced challenges due to injuries, particularly within the cornerback position. This year, the Bengals relied heavily on their offense to gain traction, fueled by the exceptional talents of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow and star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
The decision to fire Anarumo has led fans and analysts alike to speculate on who will take over as the new defensive coordinator. Many see former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh as the ideal candidate. Saleh was recently removed from his position just five games within the 2024 season but had been lauded for his past successes leading defenses as the coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Should Saleh join the Bengals, he would inherit defensive players like Trey Hendrickson, who led the league with 17.5 sacks and previously showcased promise during his time with the 49ers.
While Saleh’s potential hiring raises hopes, the challenge remains. The Bengals’ defense is currently far from the heights Saleh experienced with the 49ers and Jets. Although Cincinnati has invested heavily in defensive players through drafts, many of these selections—including recent first-round picks like Myles Murphy and Dax Hill—have yet to meet expectations. The effectiveness of these players remains pivotal to any defensive turnaround, and if Saleh can help them flourish, the Bengals may become competitive once again.
With Anarumo’s exit, Bengals administration must also evaluate their roster as they head toward the 2025 season. Among their eminent decisions revolves around unrestricted free agents, primarily focusing on Tee Higgins, who is currently ranked as one of the top NFL free agents. Burrow has continually pushed for Higgins' retention, indicating the receiver’s importance to their offensive scheme.
Other notable upcoming unrestricted free agents include B.J. Hill, Vonn Bell, and Mike Hilton—each of whom plays significant roles within the team. The Bengals must navigate the tight salary cap constraints, balancing the need to maintain key players like Higgins against the necessity to rebuild their defensive line. With impending contract demands from both Higgins and another star receiver, Chase, making cap space for multiple significant deals will not be easy.
Further complicate matters, the Bengals have undergone extensive reviews of their coaching staff, as Frank Pollack (offensive line coach), James Bettcher (linebackers coach), and Marion Hobby (defensive line coach) have also received the axe following the season’s conclusion. The defensive coaching overhaul indicates the Bengals are set on making sweeping changes to address persistent issues since their Super Bowl run.
Sustaining their position as playoff contenders remains the overarching goal for the Bengals moving forward. Though recent seasons yielded mediocre returns, the coaching changes aim to rejuvenate both the morale and performance of the franchise. Cincinnati intentions to cultivate fresh talent alongside their superstars is imperative to returning to the postseason spotlight.
While Bengals fans may feel the sting of losing trusted staffers like Anarumo, the transition ushers new opportunities—a chance for the franchise to leverage its offensive strengths and rectify its defensive shortcomings. This upcoming offseason will undoubtedly be filled with anticipation as new personnel join the ranks.
Looking to the future with Zac Taylor still at the helm, the Bengals will rally to secure players needed to thrive. The mix of coaching changes and roster evaluations offers hope, but the execution will determine if the Bengals can again compete for championships and perhaps even lift the Lombardi Trophy.