The new head coaching buzz surrounding Anarumo is no accident. Anarumo has taken a relatively competitive defense and steered it toward a strong showing in the most important category: Points Per Game. Entering Week 13, the Colts are ninth in the NFL, giving up an average of 20.8 points per contest while ranking in the bottom third in total yards allowed per game.
These numbers define the bend-but-don’t-break mentality where a unit gives up significant yardage but bows out when it matters most. There is a significant reason why the Colts have surprised the NFL by posting an 8-3 record and first place in the AFC South.
However, there is another reason why Anarumo’s name is being thrown back into the coaching circle. The New York Giants have a vacancy after firing Brian Daboll and may be interested in taking another look at Anarumo, who was a candidate for the job when the Giants drafted Daboll in 2022.
The Giants’ coaching search is also being led by a man very familiar with Anarumo: general manager Joe Schoen, who worked in Miami during the same time Anarumo served as Dolphins defensive backs coach (and eventually interim defensive coordinator).
Schoen was the one who hired Daboll in 2022 shortly after he was named Giants GM. After ending that partnership, he may look back through his rolodex toward another familiar face in Anarumo.
For now, it’s just a buzz. The Colts have plenty of catching up to do, starting with a divisional matchup with Houston that has gained in importance thanks to the Texans’ recent streak.
But whenever this run ends, don’t be surprised if Anarumo’s name resurfaces in the recruiting cycle. He might just get the job he missed a few years ago.