Lou Anarumo has coached some high-level defensive talent with both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts. When the Bengals let Anarumo go, it was one of the more surprising coaching changes made that year, but Anarumo seems like a perfect fit in Indianapolis, and he sure loves his players, too.
If Colts fans haven't yet realized the level of trust and faith the organization has in Anarumo, the number of ex-Bengals players the Colts have brought over should be a sign in itself.
This offseason saw the Colts sign Cam Taylor-Britt and Akeem Davis-Gaither on board after leaving the Bengals in free agency. Others like Germaine Pratt, Joe Bachie, and Mike Hilton came over to the Colts last season, but the latter two have since left.
Lou Anarumo loves everything that Indianapolis Colts veteran DeForest Buckner brings to the table
Anarumo's impact clearly lingers, and the Colts are benefiting from it today. As for the players Anarumo inherited when joining the Colts, there is a high level of respect and admiration coming from the longtime defensive coordinator, and what Anarumo recently said about one longtime Colts veteran proves it.
Ten-year NFL veteran DeForest Buckner got his start with the San Francisco 49ers before moving across the country in 2019 to join the Colts. Buckner recorded 28.5 sacks in four seasons with the 49ers and was already on his way to being an elite defensive tackle.
The best part is that, now in his sixth season with the Colts, Buckner is still racking up sacks (43) and remains one of the best at his position in the league.
He and other longtime Colts veteran, Grover Stewart, have held down the fort on the Colts defensive line together as a shutdown duo, so it's more than fair to say that Anarumo inherited one of the best defensive positional duos in his coaching career.
What Anarumo recently said about Buckner speaks to that, and when asked on The Colts Show with JJ Stankevitz how he would describe Buckner in one word, Anarumo couldn't keep his response to just one word, but two, plus plenty of other compliments.
"You could use a hundred words for him," Anarumo said. "Dominant, Consistent. He's everything a professional football player at the highest level embodies because, as great as he is on the field, that's how he is off the field as a dad, as a husband, as a family man in the community. Buck's everything you want, and we're so fortunate that he's recovering through this process, and we're excited to see a healthy Buckner out there next year."
That's quite the endearing compliment from Anarumo, who had coached Buckner for only one season, a shortened season marred by injuries. Buckner is the perfect defensive player for Anarumo, though, considering his versatility as a lineman and his comfort moving around. Anarumo loves defenders who can move around and attack from different fronts.
Anarumo would also complement Buckner's ability to be a mismatch nightmare, further highlighting his versatile skill set. Buckner back and healthy is one of the best things that will happen for the Colts next season, and Anarumo is surely excited to see the veteran back on the field.
Buckner had neck surgery in January after reaggravating the same injury he had before. While Buckner is still in recovery mode, the Colts are expecting him back for the 2026-27 season.
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