The Cincinnati Bengals have initiated a significant shake-up in their coaching staff following a disappointing conclusion to the 2024 NFL season. Despite securing a road victory against their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 18, the Bengals missed out on the playoffs due to the Denver Broncos’ dominant win over the Kansas City Chiefs, which clinched the final AFC playoff spot.
In response to their season’s underwhelming outcome, the Bengals have parted ways with several key coaches, signaling a broader organizational effort to address areas of underperformance. Among those dismissed was defensive line coach Marion Hobby, a veteran with an extensive coaching resume. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, another prominent figure in the Bengals’ coaching staff, will also not return to the team.
Hobby’s departure marks the end of his tenure with the Bengals, which began in 2021. Before his time in Cincinnati, Hobby built a solid reputation in both college football and the NFL. A former third-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, he transitioned into coaching after his playing career. Hobby served as the defensive line coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 and later joined the Miami Dolphins in 2019. Despite his experience, the Bengals’ defensive line under his leadership fell short of expectations this season.
One bright spot in the defensive line was the continued excellence of Trey Hendrickson, a standout player who consistently performed at a high level. However, the unit overall struggled to make an impact, finishing 26th in the league in sack percentage at just 5.91%. This lack of productivity put additional pressure on a defense that was already considered one of the team’s weaker areas.
The firing of Hobby and Anarumo underscores the Bengals’ need to overhaul their defensive strategy and personnel. While it’s clear the defense was a major liability, some fans and analysts are questioning whether Hobby’s dismissal was entirely justified. Could the defensive line’s struggles be attributed to broader organizational shortcomings, or was Hobby’s coaching the primary issue?
This offseason, the Bengals face critical decisions in their quest to rebound in 2025. Replacing Hobby and Anarumo with the right candidates will be key to revitalizing a defense that often failed to complement the team’s offensive strengths. Whether Hobby was the right scapegoat or simply a casualty of larger systemic problems remains up for debate. Regardless, the Bengals’ coaching changes indicate a commitment to fixing what went wrong and aiming for a stronger season ahead.
