It’s been nearly a week since the Indianapolis Colts moved on from defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and began their search for his replacement.
So at this early stage of the process, what do we know right now?
As of this time, it’s been reported that the Colts have held or will have interviews with three candidates: Ephraim Banda, Lou Anarumo, and Steve Wilks.
Banda is the current safeties coach for the Cleveland Browns and has been for the last two seasons. Most of his coaching experience has come at the college level. In both college and the NFL, Banda has operated in some aggressive defensive schemes.
Anarumo was the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator from 2019-2024 before being fired after this most recent season. At their best under Anarumo, the Bengals’ defense ranked fifth in scoring during the 2022 season.
Wilks, meanwhile, was the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers during their Super Bowl run in 2023. Although the 49ers defense would rank fourth in points per game that season, Wilks was fired after one year after the defense faltered in the playoffs.
There will undoubtedly be other candidates brought in to interview, but what these three have in common is that they cut their teeth as coaches while working with defensive backs–an area where GM Chris Ballard said the Colts have to get better.
In regards to what the Colts are looking for in their next defensive coordinator, we could see the pendulum swing to a more aggressive scheme after Bradley’s zone heavy defense the last few seasons.
“I definitely think there is value (in being more aggressive),” Ballard said via the Indy Star. “You’ve got to be able to affect the quarterback.”
Then as of Monday morning, it was reported that the Colts will also be interviewing former Saints’ head coach Dennis Allen for their defensive coordinator opening. For more on Allen, click here.
(This article was updated to provide additional information.)
