Colts finally get the good news the team had been hoping to hear ahead of a crucial offseason for the franchise

Since the Indianapolis Colts' offseason began, the team has been on edge, waiting to see whether it would be forced to replace defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Thankfully, ahead of an off-season where pressure is at an all-time high for the franchise, it now officially has some good news on that front.

Anarumo interviewed for multiple head-coaching openings this cycle, including with the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Buffalo Bills. Early in the cycle, there even seemed to be some smoke about Anarumo being a top candidate in New York specifically.

All three teams have now hired new head coaches, and Anarumo wasn’t able to land any of the three spots. I'm sure he is disappointed, but I do think this is a major win for the Colts, even if fans don't realize how good Anarumo is. 

Colts won't lose defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to a head coaching position

Complacency and stubbornness in changing things up have plagued coaches in the NFL for a while now. Coaches get in their own way and refuse to acknowledge that the players are more important than their scheme. Anarumo doesn't have that problem, and he proved that through a rough defensive season for the Colts. 

Injuries are a part of the game and not meant to be an excuse. But I do think we are being dishonest about the situation if we don't acknowledge how much they played a factor in the Colts' defense. Anarumo is at his best when th secondary is able to operate multiple different looks.

Indy invested in the secondary to do just that by signing Chargarius Ward and Cam Bynum to big contracts in free agency. And followed those moves up with an out-of-character in-season trade for Sauce Gardner, but injuries never allowed the secondary to show what they could be at full strength.

Now that the Colts know Anarumo will be back in 2026, the team has to invest in the defense to get the most out of Anarumo’s coaching ability. Most importantly, the team needs more out of its pass rush going forward. Secondly, the LB room needs more depth. 

If you give Anarumo the personnel, he can make opposing offenses' lives hell, but he can only do so much when his lbs can't drop back in coverage, and there's no threat of the Colts getting home with only four rushing the QB. Now the Colts need to follow through and give Anarumo what he needs to build a top NFL defense.