NEW YORK, N.Y.— Staten Island native Lou Anarumo has held numerous positions throughout his decades-long coaching career at the highest level, and now the current Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator may finally have a shot at the one title that has eluded him: NFL head coach.
With the firing of former Giants head coach Brian Daboll and the widely speculated possibility that Raiders play-caller Pete Carroll could be on the hot seat, recent reports have linked Anarumo to the openings—an opportunity that would mark a full-circle moment for the Susan Wagner alum.
Anarumo, who formerly served as a defensive backs coach for Big Blue, is “expected to receive strong consideration” for the Giants job, as “his familiarity and relationship with current general manager Joe Schoen” is also a key factor in the possibility of bringing the Islander back home to the tri-state.
In fact, Schoen and Anarumo’s paths crossed well before their Giants days, as the current GM served as a scout for the Miami Dolphins while Anarumo acted as DB coach and interim defensive coordinator from 2012–2017, highlighting just how far back the pair goes.
Given that the Giants have allowed the third-most points per game in the league this season (28.2), Anarumo’s defensive-minded coaching style could be just what Big Blue needs to engineer a bounce-back year in 2026.
Meanwhile, the Raiders, who sit at a struggling 2–10 while allowing the seventh-most points per game in the league (25.7), could very well decide to end their Pete Carroll experiment, potentially opening the door for Anarumo to be considered for the role as well.
While reports of Las Vegas showing interest in Anarumo are far less concrete than the Giants whispers, a coach of his profile could make perfect sense—particularly given the currently underutilized talent of the Raiders’ star defenders, including Pro-Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby and former Super Bowl champion Devin White.
Largely thanks to Anarumo’s defense, the Colts have posted a strong 8–4 record this season, ranking in the top five in total sacks (35.0) and the top 10 in fewest points allowed per game (20.8), illustrating that Staten Island’s own is ready to take the helm of his own team for the first time.