Bengals’ Anarumo, Callahan both finalists for NFL head coaching jobs

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Zac Taylor has gone into each of his four seasons as Bengals head coach with offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo by his side.

It’s looking increasingly likely that streak will come to an end in 2023, leaving Taylor with his toughest offseason hiring challenge as he and the front office navigate an array of difficult player-related contract decisions.

[The Bengals take Michael Mayer in ESPN’s mock draft]

Callahan is considered “the top target” for the Indianapolis Colts job, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He had his second interview with the Colts last week.

Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris is considered the other favorite for that job.

Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher is also expected to get a second interview this week for the offensive coordinator position in Tampa Bay.

Meanwhile, Anarumo is one of two finalists advancing to the second round of interviews for the open head coaching position in Arizona, according to multiple reports.

Anarumo, the “mad scientist” architect of Cincinnati’s hybrid defense, will interview with the Cardinals on Feb. 10 following his first interview on Feb. 1.

Coming into Monday, there were two other candidates: Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores.

Kafka will interview Tuesday, according to the USA Today’s Cardinals beat writer.

Flores was set to interview Wednesday. Monday night, however, he took the Vikings defensive coordinator job.

Anarumo interviewed for the Giants head coaching position last year but was passed over for Brian Daboll.

Taylor said of Anarumo last month, “He’d be a great head coach. He’s extremely smart. He has the player’s best interests in mind. He wants to put them in the best position to succeed.”

If Anarumo leaves, current Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who coached linebackers in Cincinnati in 2021, could be a name to watch.

[NFL teams skipping Lou Anarumo in head coaching searches ‘a joke,’ says analyst]

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