Five Fun Facts About Lou Anarumo

Lou Anarumo, the new Bengals defensive coordinator, is one of the most well respected assistant coaches in the league. Anarumo has previous experience working with head coach Zac Taylor. Here are five fun facts about the new man in charge of the Bengals defense. 1. Familiarity with Taylor - Both Taylor and Anarumo served on the same Miami Dolphins coaching staff from 2012-15. Anarumo worked exclusively as a defensive backs coach in the NFL outside of finishing the 2015 campaign in Miami as the interim defensive coordinator. Under Anarumo’s direction in 2015, cornerback Brent Grimes and strong safety Reshad Jones were selected to the Pro Bowl, marking the first time since the 2003 season that Miami had two members of their secondary participate in the Pro Bowl in the same season. 2. Bringing the Energy – Throughout his days in Miami, those coached by Anarumo said he brought a common theme to the defensive backs and defense as a whole – energy. Former Miami cornerback Jamar Taylor back in October 2015 had this to say about Anarumo being promoted to the Dolphins defensive coordinator position. “He's a smart guy. He brings a lot of energy. What he does with our DB's is to make sure we are all on the same page. He brings great leadership and the energy that we need to play together.”3. Well-Traveled - Anarumo spent last season with the New York Giants and coached for six years with the Dolphins. Anarumo moved up through the college ranks working at Purdue, Marshall, Harvard, the United States Merchant Marine Academy and Syracuse. With his previous collegiate experience, one of Anaurmo’s main selling points is player development. During his time in college, Anarumo developed future NFL players like former Purdue safety Bernard Pollard, who was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the 54th overall pick in 2006. Pollard played seven seasons in the league with 12 interceptions and 10.5 sacks.4. Like Father, Like Son – In previous interviews, Anarumo has said that his coaching style follows that of his father, Lou Sr., a long-time teacher. Lou Jr. told stories of how, when he was growing up, he and his father would take in New York Giants games at the old Meadowlands and he would dream about being on the field. But, like many, he soon realized that he wouldn’t reach it as a player. 5. New York Native - Anarumo, 52, is a native of Staten Island, New York. He earned his degree from nearby Wagner College, where he majored in special education. While at Wagner, he coached junior varsity football at Susan E. Wagner High School in Staten Island. Anarumo and his wife, Fran, have three children: Madison, Louis and Christopher.