Bengals defensive coordinator search: Who we are hearing as possible candidates

[dex]

Because this article from The Athletic is so extensive and out so quickly, it feels like Paul Dehner expected Anarumo would get fired.

 

For the first time since hiring his original staff in 2019, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor will be looking for a defensive coordinator.

The Bengals parted ways with Lou Anarumo on Monday after six years with the team. Taylor and Anarumo coached together coming up with the Dolphins early in their careers and lifted the Bengals to the Super Bowl and AFC Championship Game in consecutive years, largely on the back of an opportunistic and stingy defense that drew head coach interviews for the DC.

It all fell apart over the last two years, culminating in a season where nearly every significant Bengals loss included an avalanche of defensive failures, specifically a lack of development from nine top-100 picks handed to Anarumo in the last four drafts.

 

What will Taylor seek in a replacement? Who are the names expected to be in the mix?

The staff’s structure under Taylor makes the defensive coordinator the most important assistant in the building. Taylor focuses most of his time on offense, play calling and dealing with the constant stream of bigger-picture issues.

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He relies on the defensive coordinator to serve as the head coach of the defense, handing total control and autonomy to that position.

That would lend itself to the new defensive coordinator arriving with head-coaching experience. Unlike the first time Taylor hired a defensive coordinator in 2019, the job is much more desirable for a big name. Being the defensive coordinator on a team with Joe Burrow can bring attention, success and the game’s biggest stages immediately.

Another critical issue will be the ability to develop young players. The nature of the offensive contracts demands development from the collection of recent high draft picks who have failed to grow into star roles. The next level of this defense will be led by players currently on rookie contracts as several veteran leaders are expected to be let go or have their roles changed soon and likely another year with premium draft capital spent trying to fix that side of the ball.

That opens up the possibility of poking around the college ranks. A prime example last year came when Taylor’s close coaching friend and former colleague with the Rams, Matt LaFleur, hired Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley. It worked as Green Bay ranked sixth in points allowed per drive this season.

While there are big names of former defensive head coaches on the list, there could also be coaches from off the radar in the college ranks to watch.

Taylor has aimed for coaches with notable experience, but still ascending and hungry in their career aspirations, with most of his hires. Notably, Dan Pitcher as offensive coordinator and Justin Rascati as pass game coordinator last year, who are both climbing to the next level of their careers for the first time.

Here’s a collection of those names I’m hearing, specifically those with connections or backgrounds that check obvious boxes to serve as the replacement for Anarumo.

 

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has experience with the Bengals. (Matt Cashore / Imagn Images)

The connections front-runner

Al Golden

• Age: 55
• Current job: Notre Dame defensive coordinator

This would be the most familiar face on the list. Golden coached linebackers for two seasons in Cincinnati (2020-’21). He took over a position group where every key player, including starters Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt, was on a rookie contract. He helped turn the group into one of the strengths of the Super Bowl team. That earned Golden a job as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. Golden, who was a head coach at Temple University and the University of Miami, once again excelled in the college ranks as a finalist for the Broyles Award for top assistant coach in college football. The Fighting Irish’s defense is pacing their run to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. If doing a better job developing the young players on defense is the top priority, Golden would fit the bill. Would he leave Notre Dame? Will he have head-coaching offers elsewhere? It’s hard to say for sure, but his connection with Taylor, this organization and the players check many boxes.

GO DEEPER

Forget Al Golden's time at Miami. He's just what Notre Dame's Playoff run needed

Rising young candidates

Christian Parker

• Age: 32
• Current job: Eagles secondary coach

Viewed as a rising star, Parker serves as the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Eagles. He also spent time with the Broncos and Packers since moving from college to the NFL in 2019. He doesn’t have experience as a defensive coordinator but has a reputation as a great communicator and worked with some of Taylor’s close friends. He’s also well-versed in the Vic Fangio system, working under him in Philadelphia, a style that has proven particularly frustrating for the Bengals.

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Jim Leonhard

• Age: 42
• Current job: Denver Broncos defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator

Leonhard is a former player who was with six teams over nine seasons in the NFL. He comes from a college background but splashed on the scene immediately in the NFL. He got into coaching at Wisconsin, his alma mater, and quickly ended up as defensive coordinator and took over as interim head coach when the Badgers let go of Paul Chryst in 2022. He spent a year as an analyst at Illinois before taking over the defensive backs/pass game coordinator job for Vance Joseph’s top defense in Denver.

 

Jim Leonhard, center, during his stint as interim head coach at Wisconsin. (Mark Hoffman / Imagn Images)

Aubrey Pleasant

• Age: 38
• Current job: Rams pass game coordinator/assistant head coach

Pleasant was on the staff with Taylor that went to the Super Bowl. He moved to Detroit for two seasons, before returning to work for Sean McVay in an expanded role the past two years. Pleasant would be considered one of the top rising position coaches due for a coordinator gig. Taylor has spoken with Pleasant about jobs in Cincinnati before including during the initial hiring process. His background and connection could warrant another look.

Ex-head coaches with defensive backgrounds

Dennis Allen

• Age: 52
• Current job: None

The New Orleans Saints fired Allen as head coach on Nov. 4, but would still be considered a big fish in this job search. He brings head-coaching experience with three seasons with the Saints (18-25) and three more with the Raiders (8-28). Those stints didn’t go particularly well, but Allen proved he could be one of the league’s best defensive minds. The Saints ranked in the top half of the league in fewest points allowed for seven consecutive seasons before this year. Allen was coordinator from 2017-’21 before taking over for Sean Payton as head coach.

Not only would his head coach background benefit him working underneath Taylor, but this wouldn’t be the first time Taylor showed interest in Allen. When Taylor was hired in 2019 and filled out his staff, Allen was one of the top targets on the list. The search ended with Anarumo landing the job and a lateral move for Allen didn’t make sense, but the interest was notable. As was a trend of the Bengals poaching players from the Saints — Trey Hendrickson and Vonn Bell, two of the top free-agent signings in Taylor’s time, both came from New Orleans.

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The question here: Does turning down the job in the past and his already established career lend itself to the type of coach Taylor would be seeking?

Matt Eberflus

• Age: 54
• Current job: None

The former Chicago Bears head coach saw his reputation take a hit after the latest failed season in the Windy City, but he still brings an impressive resume as a defensive coach. As defensive coordinator for the Colts, his group finished in the top 10 in points allowed in three of his four seasons. The same success didn’t translate to Chicago, but his expertise on defense and experience leading a team should draw attention.

Robert Saleh

• Age: 45
• Current job: None

Another fired head coach with a defensive background, Saleh was head coach of the Jets for the past four seasons. He was fired after Week 5 this year. Before that, Saleh was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where his defense led the way to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019. Upon taking over the Jets in 2021, his defense ranked fourth in points allowed in his second season and 12th last year. Saleh would be a big name in this search and will be sought after across the league for coordinator positions, though his coaching style could clash with those Taylor has leaned toward.

Mike Zimmer

• Age: 68
• Current: Cowboys defensive coordinator

If looking to tap into arguably the best Bengals defenses of this century, look no further than Zimmer. The Bengals defensive coordinator from 2008-’13 is still revered by the front office. He eventually took over as head coach of the Vikings before being fired and landing as Cowboys defensive coordinator this past season. The Cowboys defense struggled mightily but also was ravaged by injuries early in the year. That said, Taylor was effusive in praise for Zimmer before and after the Bengals’ 27-20 win in Dallas, commenting on how mentally exhausting it is preparing for and playing against his defenses.

Zimmer still owns property in Northern Kentucky and spends much of his time in the offseason there, making Cincinnati an appealing move if there was mutual interest and the Cowboys fired Mike McCarthy, along with his staff.

 

Mike Zimmer’s future with the Cowboys could hinge on Mike McCarthy’s. (Matthew Pearce / Getty Images)

Current DC with credentials, uncertain situation

Ejiro Evero

• Age: 44
• Current: Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator

Evero also was on the same Rams staff as Taylor. His star has risen after leading a top-10 defense for a season in Denver and then landing with the Panthers. Carolina’s defense has not been good the past two years, so his spot isn’t secure. That could shake him loose depending on what head coach Dave Canales decides. Still, much of that was a matter of talent and circumstance from an otherwise well-respected coach with 16 seasons as an NFL coach. Taylor could be interested if he became available.

 

 

[Griever]

Thanks for posting Dex!

[texbengal]

Thanks for this.
 

I have always liked Jim Leonhard, even when he was a player. Very cerebral. And Al Golden did a nice job when he was in Cincinnati, and he’s done quite well at ND. 
 

Lou did some good work here and I hope things work out elsewhere for him. It was just time… yes, there was a lot of continuity with guys like him, Bettcher and Hobby, as well as with Pollack. But the results just weren’t there, particularly from a player development standpoint. That said, kinda surprised that the secondary guys were retained. 
 

It will be interesting to see what develops, for sure. 

[dex]

A followup Athletic article from Paul Dehner, who has been very busy today:

 

state of the Bengals’ season went on behind the scenes over the last few months.

Unacceptable.

A team cannot feature an MVP-caliber performance from Joe Burrow, a receiving triple crown winner in Ja’Marr Chase and the NFL sack leader in Trey Hendrickson and end up outside of the playoff picture.

GO DEEPER

Bengals fire DC Lou Anarumo, O-line coach Frank Pollack: Sources

There is no way that can happen without significant repercussions.

That’s why Monday morning the Bengals parted ways with longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebackers coach James Bettcher and defensive line coach Marion Hobby.

The seismic move was sending off Anarumo. Yet, it had to happen if the season’s results and status quo truly would not be accepted.

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Anarumo was hired as coordinator on Zac Taylor’s first staff in 2019 and they grew together in building a team that went to the Super Bowl and AFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons, with the defense at the center of that run.

Anarumo was interviewed for multiple head-coaching positions as his reputation as the Patrick Mahomes killer grew over multiple high-profile games frustrating the Chiefs’ superstar quarterback. Anarumo was one of two finalists for the Arizona Cardinals job that eventually went to Jonathan Gannon in 2023.

From there, Anarumo’s Bengals defense began to unravel.

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In 2023, the group spiraled by allowing the league’s worst explosive play rate, which ended by scapegoating the changeover at the safety position losing Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell in free agency, then failing to receive adequate replacement-level play from former first-round pick Dax Hill and free agent signee Nick Scott.

Pressure began mounting with Joe Burrow’s injury masking the problematic defensive performance, but the Bengals stuck with Anarumo, believing in his track record.

Not much changed in 2024. In fact, matters got much worse.

Bengals defensive ranks last 2 years

Stat	2024	2023	Total
Points/drive	26th	25th	29th
Success%	26th	31st	30th
EPA/play	29th	25th	29th
TD%	29th	21st	29th
Red zone defense	30th	11th	27th

The defense came into the season with nine top-100 picks from the last four drafts and the fourth-most cap space dedicated to the defensive side of the ball. This in an organization where the coaching staff is heavily involved in acquiring players in the draft and free agency. Anarumo was partially responsible for the players acquired to build his vision of the defense.

The investments produced horrific results.

The Bengals lost seven one-score games this season. A win in even one of those would have landed Cincinnati in the playoffs over the Denver Broncos. The common theme was historically poor defensive output.

They lost games to the Commanders, the Ravens twice and the Stealers despite scoring at least 33 points in each. The rest of the league went 79-7 this season when scoring at least 33 points. The Bengals went 3-4.

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Taylor admitted he felt practices were good with effort and desire from the players not questioned. The problem was translating those traits into game results. It wasn’t happening and frustration was bubbling.

“All of this starts and ends with me,” Anarumo said midseason. “How we play is certainly my responsibility. The players have done a fantastic job of preparing, practicing with energy, giving us our best. Proud of the way we’ve gone about that. I need to do a better job of making sure it shows up on Sundays. I’ve got to do better.”

The Bengals rightly viewed themselves as Super Bowl contenders this year, yet they opened the year going 0-7 against teams with winning records despite averaging 30.3 points. In judging Anarumo’s performance, there was enhanced frustration from the standard falling short in those games in which the Bengals were supposed to be built for success.

A three-game stretch midseason essentially eliminated the Bengals from the postseason despite their against-all-odds charge in the final month.

In a trio of games at Baltimore, at the Chargers and home against Pittsburgh, the Bengals had withstood an early season in which Burrow was still working his wrist back to full health and was playing elite football. Chase was unstoppable tracking toward the triple crown. Tee Higgins, who missed a month, returned in the middle of the stretch. Anarumo’s defense had two months to figure out solutions to problems that beset them in losses early in the season.

Yet, the Bengals lost 35-34 to Baltimore with the defense allowing touchdowns on four consecutive possessions in the second half. In Los Angeles, they laid an egg from the opening kickoff, giving up 24 points in the first half of an eventual 34-27 defeat. Then, finally, at home against Pittsburgh, they allowed 27 points in the first half, 37 overall (plus a Stealers defensive score) and lost 44-38.

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The Bengals scored 99 points over a three-game stretch and went 0-3. This was the heart of all things unacceptable for the 2024 team. Any real hope for Anarumo ended that day.

“We need to change a lot of things this year,” Joe Burrow said after the loss to Pittsburgh. “We haven’t been good enough to win games.”

Adding Bettcher and Hobby to the list of those let go only solidifies the desire for a complete overhaul of the development and deployment on the defensive side of the ball, specifically in the front seven. Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks with 17.5 and added 83 pressures, which tied Myles Garrett for most in the league. The Bengals received minimal input from elsewhere. B.J. Hill was second on the team with just 32 pressures. Joseph Ossai finished second on the team with five sacks and nobody else contributed more than three.

Most notably, the team’s 2024 first-round pick, edge rusher Myles Murphy, finished his second season without a sack, logging one tackle for loss and four quarterback hits. Veteran Germaine Pratt struggled the last two seasons to regain the level of play he posted in his contract year and ended up leading the team in missed tackles with 20, tied for eighth most in the NFL.

GO DEEPER

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The lack of development and consistency occurred at all levels. Cam Taylor-Britt, a 2022 second-round pick believed to be ascending to a Pro Bowl level entering the season, regressed dramatically and was benched multiple times. Taylor-Britt said he was letting his mind “deteriorate” with outside influence. Jordan Battle, a 2022 third-round pick, disappointed after an encouraging rookie season and sat for much of the first half of the season behind veteran Vonn Bell. As Bell struggled, Battle eventually took over down the stretch and contributed an improved level of play.

In winning the final five games of the season, the defense stabilized with more playing time going to a core of young players and Anarumo simplifying the game plan. The obvious question was why the simplification and changes didn’t occur sooner. They should have. Moves to younger players instead of ineffective veterans should have been made as well. The fact they didn’t cost the Bengals the season and Anarumo his job.

Respect never wavered for what Anarumo was capable of producing as a coordinator, merely looking to rejuvenate a young core of defensive players that could use a fresh voice and fresh start as they are asked to be leaders of the next iteration of the Bengals’ defense.

 

This was Frank Pollack’s second stint with the Bengals having also served as offensive line coach in 2018. (Jeff Dean / Associated Press)

Meanwhile, the never-ending journey to find answers in protection for Burrow continues. Pollack was hired before the 2021 season to take over for Jim Turner, who produced an ugly tenure over his first two seasons in Cincinnati.

The Bengals pass more than any NFL team and Burrow plays a style where he will take hits more often than the average quarterback in trying to create plays. That said, the line play struggled and regressed in 2024. First-round pick Amarius Mims proved a success, but guard Cordell Volson, a 2022 fourth-round pick, didn’t develop enough and was benched. Veteran Alex Cappa struggled at the other guard position. Pollack also oversaw the development of three offensive line draft picks in 2021 that never contributed in Cincinnati: second-rounder Jackson Carman, fourth-rounder D’Ante Smith and sixth-rounder Trey Hill.

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The Bengals hired Justin Rascati as pass-game coordinator this past offseason and he brought an offensive line background with Denver and Minnesota despite shifting to a quarterback-centric role. He will not be a candidate to take over for Pollack.

Whoever does must find better answers to protect the franchise quarterback.

Burrow was hit this season more than any other quarterback. The NFL tracked Burrow taking 122 hits this season, including 48 sacks. C.J. Stroud was the next highest with 109.

Pollack was also given the title of run-game coordinator. While Chase Brown enjoyed a breakout season, the team shifted to a pass-heavy attack and the efficiency in the run game still lacked. On the season the combination of Brown, Zack Moss and Khalil Herbert averaged 4.1 yards per carry despite consistently facing light boxes concerned about Burrow and the passing attack. The Bengals finished 23rd in success rate rushing against a light box.

“If you don’t make the playoffs, it’s a failure,” Burrow said on Saturday.

This offseason’s theme will be about supporting Burrow. Giving him better protection and a defense capable of making life easier (and producing game scripts that don’t involve 50 passes) will be the primary tasks of the new hires.

What was going on prior was unacceptable. On Monday, that became more than just a word.

[SmoothD]

Hell no to Mike Zimmer!!

I would take a hard look at Brian Flores, but he is probably looking for a head coaching position.

[sparky151]

We can't hire Flores as DC without trading for him from the Vikings. They have to let him interview for promotions, ie HC positions but not lateral moves.

 

Our first two interviews were with Covington from the Pats, who did a poor job in 2024 and Graham from the Raiders who is interviewing for both DC and HC jobs. 

 

Looks like the Bengals want to get the Rooney rule requirements out of the way first. I'd be underwhelmed if either were our next DC.

 

 

[T-Dub]

Haven't seen any names floated as Pollack's replacement yet but we should get a separate thread going when it happens.  That job is just as important right now.

[LostInDaJungle]

They left one out....

[-GoBengals-]

Dennis Allen seems like the more likely candidate.

 

after several HC failures he shouldnt be looking that direction anytime soon, was in Taylors wish list, #2 i think in the first DC hunt. 

 

The lists feel easy two widdle down.

 

Taylor said they want someone with experience, this seems to wipe away any up and comer and any college prospect and any position coach looking for a promotion. 

 

The huge names, Taylor makes 4.5 mil, the big names in a big market, like if Saleh went to Dallas, would make 4-6mil as a DC. so he isnt likely to take a small market job and leave millions on the table and the team isnt going to pay a DC more than they pay a HC.

 

They also wouldnt really want someone looking to jump to a HC job quickly, all that leaves me thinking Allen.

 

Zimmer is too old and too old school, no one in this NFL era is trying to be screamed at. the gen of player that that worked on ended with Pacman and Burfict. with the except of a palyer here or there, like maybe a CTB would respond to it, i dunno, but not many guys in the nfl are interested in that shit. Not from a DC, position coaches are in their asses already.

 

So I gott think Allen is top of the list.

 

I ALSO think since they brought in two guys immediately, from potentially unimpressive situations at their last gig, that they are rushing through interviews and have the deal worked out with who they want..which ALSO makes me think Allen, as he has been sitting at home for months after being fired mid season.

[New Jersey Bengal]

Allen would be a decent choice

[texbengal]

Saw something on X where Rapien mentioned Tosh Lupoi… he’s the DC at Oregon and had coached DL in the NFL previously.

 

I hadn’t seen his name anywhere else so that’s an interesting one. I suspect the name came from somewhere in the organization, since it wasn’t one thrown around before. 

[dex]

I also agree that Dennis Allen is one of the more likely DC candidates available. Definitely a schematic fit with his 4-3 defense with big DEs. Trey Hendrickson would probably be delighted with his ex-DC getting the hire. What is different about Allen from Anarumo is his reliance on a Cover 1 scheme. That puts a lot of pressure on the CBs to cover man-to-man without a lot of help. But Anarumo's bend but don't break stopped working the last two seasons as they broke down often with big plays. Some Cincinnati's defense broke before they even had a chance to bend. Way too many big plays allowed.

 

But if you are going to score a lot of points on offense as the Bengals should, then I prefer to have a more aggressive defense. Look at Steve Spagnaolo with KC even though their offense isn't scoring as much as they did a couple of years ago.

[MichaelWeston]

21 hours ago, T-Dub said:

Haven't seen any names floated as Pollack's replacement yet but we should get a separate thread going when it happens.  That job is just as important right now.

John Benton

[-GoBengals-]

4 hours ago, dex said:

I also agree that Dennis Allen is one of the more likely DC candidates available. Definitely a schematic fit with his 4-3 defense with big DEs. Trey Hendrickson would probably be delighted with his ex-DC getting the hire. What is different about Allen from Anarumo is his reliance on a Cover 1 scheme. That puts a lot of pressure on the CBs to cover man-to-man without a lot of help. But Anarumo's bend but don't break stopped working the last two seasons as they broke down often with big plays. Some Cincinnati's defense broke before they even had a chance to bend. Way too many big plays allowed.

 

But if you are going to score a lot of points on offense as the Bengals should, then I prefer to have a more aggressive defense. Look at Steve Spagnaolo with KC even though their offense isn't scoring as much as they did a couple of years ago.

 

this is one of the most thought fueled and accurate posts that i have seen on here in months.

 

I agree Lous system depends on equal parts IQ and talent and seems the players healthy and available were slightly lacking in both. Once it was simplified and guys got consistency backups even became serviceable. 

 

Golden and Allen are my top two thoughts on likely candidates. 

 

[Jamie_B]

Here are the QBs taking the most sacks.

 

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/player-stat/passing-plays-sacked

 

Go find an assistant of one the teams with the fewest. 

 

Here is my choice, he was Mims former Oline coach in GA.

 

https://www.packers.com/team/coaches-roster/eddie-gordon

[-GoBengals-]

2 minutes ago, Jamie_B said:

Here are the QBs taking the most sacks.

 

https://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/player-stat/passing-plays-sacked

 

Go find an assistant of one the teams with the fewest. 

 

Here is my choice, he was Mimms former Oline coach in GA.

 

https://www.packers.com/team/coaches-roster/eddie-gordon

 

 

lol, well, i mean im guessing those rosters probably have better players.

 

and Joe was middle of the pack until the tackles started falling off left and right (pun).  in the last 5 weeks ish we had 8 players play three positions on that line (LT,RT,LG) (LT: Ford, Cochran, OBJ. LG: Ford, Volson/ RT: Mims, Cochran, Ford). a fucking shit show.

 

Cappa being consistent AND sucking is a problem, is it a cappa problem or a whats around cappa problem, not sure.. 

[Jamie_B]

2 minutes ago, GoBengals said:

 

 

lol, well, i mean im guessing those rosters probably have better players.

 

and Joe was middle of the pack until the tackles started falling off left and right (pun).  in the last 5 weeks ish we had 8 players play three positions on that line (LT,RT,LG) (LT: Ford, Cochran, OBJ. LG: Ford, Volson/ RT: Mims, Cochran, Ford). a fucking shit show.

 

Cappa being consistent AND sucking is a problem, is it a cappa problem or a whats around cappa problem, not sure.. 

 

 

Oh I have no doubt they have better players. 

 

That said I still like the idea of brining in Mims former Oline coach.

[Jungletiger]

13 hours ago, GoBengals said:

Dennis Allen seems like the more likely candidate.

 

after several HC failures he shouldnt be looking that direction anytime soon, was in Taylors wish list, #2 i think in the first DC hunt. 

 

The lists feel easy two widdle down.

 

Taylor said they want someone with experience, this seems to wipe away any up and comer and any college prospect and any position coach looking for a promotion. 

 

The huge names, Taylor makes 4.5 mil, the big names in a big market, like if Saleh went to Dallas, would make 4-6mil as a DC. so he isnt likely to take a small market job and leave millions on the table and the team isnt going to pay a DC more than they pay a HC.

 

They also wouldnt really want someone looking to jump to a HC job quickly, all that leaves me thinking Allen.

 

Zimmer is too old and too old school, no one in this NFL era is trying to be screamed at. the gen of player that that worked on ended with Pacman and Burfict. with the except of a palyer here or there, like maybe a CTB would respond to it, i dunno, but not many guys in the nfl are interested in that shit. Not from a DC, position coaches are in their asses already.

 

So I gott think Allen is top of the list.

 

I ALSO think since they brought in two guys immediately, from potentially unimpressive situations at their last gig, that they are rushing through interviews and have the deal worked out with who they want..which ALSO makes me think Allen, as he has been sitting at home for months after being fired mid season.

 

I wonder how his defense philosophy would fit on this team.  I would say the coaches we fired aren't bad just didn't fit with how the team wants to run.

[-GoBengals-]

1 hour ago, Jungletiger said:

 

I wonder how his defense philosophy would fit on this team.  I would say the coaches we fired aren't bad just didn't fit with how the team wants to run.

 

for sure, or WHO the team wants on the field perhaps. How + Who.

 

Dex has a brief breakdown of how Allen would be a solid for with what he has run in the past fitting what we run and who we have. 

[Jungletiger]

6 hours ago, dex said:

I also agree that Dennis Allen is one of the more likely DC candidates available. Definitely a schematic fit with his 4-3 defense with big DEs. Trey Hendrickson would probably be delighted with his ex-DC getting the hire. What is different about Allen from Anarumo is his reliance on a Cover 1 scheme. That puts a lot of pressure on the CBs to cover man-to-man without a lot of help. But Anarumo's bend but don't break stopped working the last two seasons as they broke down often with big plays. Some Cincinnati's defense broke before they even had a chance to bend. Way too many big plays allowed.

 

But if you are going to score a lot of points on offense as the Bengals should, then I prefer to have a more aggressive defense. Look at Steve Spagnaolo with KC even though their offense isn't scoring as much as they did a couple of years ago.

 

Doesn't going aggressive and man require our players to think more?  I was under the impression we drafted athletic guys who could run free and not have to think much in this Lou's system.  If that's case wouldn't our drafting philosophy have to change and maybe take at least a year to really turn around?

[sparky151]

Lou mostly played zone and the players in that scheme have to know how far to travel with a receiver and when to hand one off to another DB.

 

We had lots of blown coverages this past season as receivers went uncovered deep. The Eagles game was a particular lowlight as they picked us apart and either took advantage of Lou's rules or our DBs forgot them. If we switch to mostly man to man, we probably need a clear CB1 upgrade. In that situation we'd likely be blitzing more from a 4-3 scheme to generate pressure on the QB. 

[Cat]

Just saw this on Reddit:

 

Report: Bengals not expected to interview Robert Saleh or Dennis Allen

 

https://x.com/CincyJungle/status/1877310561656115552?t=oHKBCuSK5SQ17Y8GGg9k3A

[-GoBengals-]

On 1/8/2025 at 3:27 PM, Jungletiger said:

 

Doesn't going aggressive and man require our players to think more?  I was under the impression we drafted athletic guys who could run free and not have to think much in this Lou's system.  If that's case wouldn't our drafting philosophy have to change and maybe take at least a year to really turn around?

 

No Loud system involved a ton of option/variables, before and after snap adjustments. Lous system was designed to confuse the opposing QB to buy a split second extra for the pass rush to get there or make him check down right away.

 

Though if guys are too dumb to do their role based on those calls pre or post snap, then guys are just open and DBs are looking at eachother.

 

 

8 hours ago, Cat said:

Just saw this on Reddit:

 

Report: Bengals not expected to interview Robert Saleh or Dennis Allen

 

https://x.com/CincyJungle/status/1877310561656115552?t=oHKBCuSK5SQ17Y8GGg9k3A

 

 

Yea seems the team leaked this info through the media, surprised on dennis allen unless he declined, and not surprised at all over Saleh. i dont see the fit in cincinnati what so ever.

[Le Tigre]

So much for “experienced” DC’s coming in. 
 

 

[-GoBengals-]

2 minutes ago, Le Tigre said:

So much for “experienced” DC’s coming in. 
 

 

 

well i assume there are other experiences candidates than those two