The Indianapolis Colts brought in a new defensive coordinator after parting ways with former DC Gus Bradley.
Lou Anarumo is joining Indianapolis as their defensive coordinator after holding the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals for the last six seasons.
After multiple notable signings through the 2025 NFL Free Agency, an NFL writer predicts that Anarumo could help the Colts’ defense see a massive improvement next season.
Stampede Blue’s Mateo Caliz predicts the Colts defense will become a top 8 with the team’s newest defensive coordinator.
“New defensive coordinator, shored up the secondary, young players that are breakout candidates, and a forgiving schedule. The Colts’ defense could very easily be one of the best units in the NFL next season,” Caliz wrote for SB Nation’s Stampede Blue. “Charvarius Ward and Camryn Bynum will help solidify what was already a solid backend of the defense, Laiatu Latu , Nick Cross, Jaylon Carlies, and Jaylon Jones are all young players that look ready to take that next step, and I believe that Lou Anarummo will work wonders with the talent he has at his disposal.”
Hiring of Lou Anarumo
GettyNew Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo
Coming from Cincy, Lou Anarumo brings extensive knowledge, having coached in the playoffs multiple times and the Super Bowl.
Anarumo’s experience could help the Colts develop some of the younger players on the roster, including second-year EDGE rusher Laiatu Latu.
During his tenure with the Bengals, Anarumo had developed defensive end Trey Hendrickson into an All-Pro pass rusher. Hendrickson led the league with 17.5 sacks last season, earning his first All-Pro First-Team nod.
If Anarumo can help Latu level up his game, he could see a massive increase from the 4.5 sacks in his rookie season — Caliz predicted the former UCLA Bruin to have a breakout season.
“It’s probably going to be a little more multiple, a little more aggressive, you know, from a pressure standpoint,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said of Anarumo’s defense. “That would probably be the biggest difference you’ll see.”
Weakness of the Defense
GettyIndianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (right)
While the Colts seem to have depth at every position of the defense except linebacker, according to Caliz.
“The only clear weakness I see on the Colts’ defense is the linebacker position. If Anarummo insists on Zaire Franklin being a capable starter in this day and age, then we are basically gifting opponents an easy prey on passing downs. Perhaps the new coaching will realize that this we are in 2025 and that linebackers like Zaire Franklin just do not work in today’s NFL, that is my hope,” Caliz wrote.
Franklin led the Colts (and the NFL) with 173 tackles last season. The linebacker can be a presence for Indy next season, but is currently recovering from a foot surgery he had during the offseason.
With preseason still ahead and the beginning of the regular season not starting a month away, the Colts can figure out who best fits in the linebacker group.
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