The Cincinnati Bengals shouldn’t have any problems finding a long list of interested candidates now that they have fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Here’s a quick look at some of the names the Bengals should have on the shortlist.

The story of the 2024 Cincinnati Bengals was a rare one. It's unusual to see a quarterback play at an MVP level, like Joe Burrow did, and his team miss the playoffs. Someone had to pay the price, and it was clear that would be defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.

According to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., the Bengals also fired offensive line coach Frank Pollack, linebacker coach James Bettcher and defensive line coach Marion Hobby. The firings come along areas that not only underperformed but failed to get the most out of notable developmental draft picks.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo talks on the sideline in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 16 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at

The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t wasting any time getting interviews lined up for the defensive coordinator position after firing Lou Anarumo. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Bengals will interview Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for the same position on Tuesday.

The offseason is in full swing, and one of the first orders of business for the Cincinnati Bengals is to find a new defensive coordinator after letting go of Lou Anarumo. The replacement for Anarumo will need to completely take charge of the defense and get the most out of a young nucleus that has underwhelmed over the last two years.