BREAKING: Bengals Confirms Major Coaching Move After Being Eliminated From NFL Postseason

The Cincinnati Bengals had standout performances this season from quarterback Joe Burrow, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. However, their efforts fell short of securing a playoff spot, resulting in a disappointing season for the franchise. For the second straight year, the Bengals finished with a 9-8 record, with slow starts once again proving to be a persistent issue.

This season’s glaring weakness was the defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in multiple categories. Despite the offense often scoring 30-plus points, the defense frequently faltered, leading to several close losses. On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bengals have parted ways with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after six seasons. Anarumo was instrumental in the team’s Super Bowl run in 2021 but was unable to replicate that success this season due to the defense’s inconsistency.

Although Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks, his production was not complemented by a reliable pass rush from the rest of the unit. Tackling issues and an inconsistent secondary compounded the team’s defensive struggles. The Bengals often failed to secure key stops, leaving the offense to carry the load, which ultimately led to their downfall in close games.

The decision to move on from Anarumo is notable, as the Bengals typically avoid drastic changes. Anarumo, who garnered head coaching interest in recent offseasons, remains a respected figure in NFL circles and could find success in a different system. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is set to overhaul its defense, seeking a fresh approach to address one of the most underwhelming units of 2024 and establish a stronger identity moving forward.