Lou Anarumo ignoring head-coaching candidacy buzz amid strong showing in first season as Colts DC

The fresh head-coaching buzz surrounding Anarumo is not random. Anarumo has taken a relatively competitive defense and guided it toward a strong showing in the most important category: points allowed per game. Entering Week 13, the Colts rank ninth in the NFL, surrendering an average of 20.8 points per contest while landing in the lower third in total yards allowed per game.

Those numbers define the bend-but-don’t-break mentality in which a unit gives up substantial yards but bows up when it matters most. It’s a significant reason why the Colts have surprised the NFL by running out to an 8-3 record and a first-place standing in the AFC South.

There’s another reason, though, why Anarumo’s name is being tossed back into the coaching ring. The New York Giants have a vacancy after firing Brian Daboll and might be interested in taking a second look at Anarumo, who was a candidate for the job back when the Giants chose Daboll in 2022.

The Giants’ coaching search is also being led by a man who is very familiar to Anarumo: general manager Joe Schoen, who worked in Miami at the same time Anarumo served as Dolphins defensive backs coach (and eventual interim defensive coordinator).

Schoen was the one who hired Daboll in 2022 shortly after he was named Giants GM. After ending that partnership, he might look back through his rolodex toward another familiar face in Anarumo.

For now, it’s merely buzz. The Colts have plenty left to accomplish, starting with a divisional matchup with Houston that has increased in importance thanks to the Texans’ recent winning streak.

But whenever this run ends, don’t be surprised if Anarumo’s name returns to the surface during the hiring cycle. He just might land the job he missed out on a few years ago.