Current Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo has emerged as the “slight favorite” for the New York Giants’ open head coaching position, according to Giants reporter Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. However, that largely depends on whether general manager Joe Schoen is retained at the position, which is no guarantee.
With experience, adaptability, and a proven postseason résumé, Anarumo checks several boxes for a Giants team searching for defensive stability and identity. As the process moves forward, he has positioned himself as the standard against which other candidates are being evaluated.
Why Anarumo’s Philosophy Fits the Giants’ Roster
Anarumo’s defensive philosophy aligns well with the talented personnel currently in place in New York. His willingness to adjust schemes around available talent rather than force rigid concepts could maximize players like Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, Dexter Lawrence, and a young secondary that has struggled with consistency.
During his time as the Bengals‘ defensive coordinator (2019-2024), Anarumo regularly built opponent-specific game plans that emphasized disguised coverages, late safety rotations, and situational pressure. That approach could help the Giants protect a secondary that has been exposed at times while still allowing their defensive front to dictate games.
Upon taking the Colts’ job, Anarumo’s defense is a top-10 unit in EPA per play, ranking seventh in the NFL. Indianapolis’ defense also ranks 12th in scoring, allowing 21.6 points per game. His reputation for connecting with his players and being a no-nonsense coach is similar to what Mike Kafka and Charlie Bullen have shown in their interim roles.
For a Giants defense that has flashed potential but lacked week-to-week reliability, Anarumo’s adaptability to his players offers a clear path toward more consistent results.
Anarumo’s Familiarity With The Giants Could Sway Schoen
Player development remains a critical factor for the Giants, particularly as they navigate salary cap limitations and roster turnover. Anarumo’s track record of elevating mid-round picks and overlooked veterans could prove valuable for a defense that needs internal growth as much as external additions.
His postseason experience also stands out. Anarumo-led defenses routinely elevated their performance in high-pressure environments, a trait the Giants have prioritized as they attempt to return to playoff relevance.
Beyond scheme, Anarumo’s collaborative approach would allow the Giants to build a more cohesive coaching staff while maintaining defensive autonomy. His ability to balance structure with flexibility makes him an appealing option for an organization seeking long-term stability rather than short-term fixes.
Anarumo also has experience coaching in New York, serving as the defensive backs coach for the Giants back in 2018. Additionally, he and Giants general manager Joe Schoen have a professional connection that dates back many years.
Lou was the Dolphins’ defensive backs coach from 2012-2017, while Schoen served in several roles in Miami’s front office, including national scout (ending in 2012), assistant director of college scouting (2013), and director of player personnel (2014-2016).
He interviewed for the Giants’ head coaching position in 2022 before it was given to Brian Daboll, and his son Louis is in his fourth season on the Giants’ staff, spending his first three years as a scouting assistant before becoming a pro scout in 2025.
However, Schoen’s future with the Giants is not clear at the moment. Although he was retained despite Brian Daboll and Shane Bowen being let go, he will be up for review at the end of the season, as many of the players he drafted have not panned out according to expectation.
As the Giants narrow their focus, Lou Anarumo has emerged as a top candidate for the job, but his professional connections to New York and to Joe Schoen may be what puts him over the top, if Schoen remains the general manager through the offseason.
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