Speaking with the media for the first time since GM Chris Ballard was fired, Indianapolis Colts DC Lou Anarumo addressed his mindset moving forward.
The urgency for Anarumo and the Colts' defense will be high, but that was the feeling even before Ballard was let go.
"A professional in every sense of the word. So, nothing but respect for him," Anarumo said of Ballard, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "We all know what we sign up for when we take these jobs. There's always a sense of urgency, whether somebody is relieved of their duties or not."
More from #Colts DC Lou Anarumo:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 20, 2026
"You're on high alert every day in this league, no matter what your status is. Whether you're 9-0 or 0-9, you gotta know ... there's 32 of these jobs and that's it. So, nothing changes for me. We don't flinch. ... We keep getting better." https://t.co/zZr4KFZaoy
Sitting at 2-4 on the season, it's been a collective team effort by the Colts to get to this point through six games. But on the defensive side of the ball, a lot of points and a lot of yards have been surrendered this season.
Missed tackles, missed assignments, a lack of turnovers, and an inability to get after the quarterback consistently have all contributed to these struggles.
Not only Anarumo, but everyone on the coaching staff -- including Shane Steichen -- is now auditioning for their jobs moving forward, with sweeping changes potentially coming if things continue to spiral.
But again, Anarumo doesn't view that as any different than before.
"You're on high alert every day in this league, no matter what your status is," Anarumo continued. "Whether you're 9-0 or 0-9, you gotta know … there's 32 of these jobs and that's it. So, nothing changes for me. We don't flinch. … We keep getting better."
With upcoming road matchups against the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings and the 4-2 Jacksonville Jaguars, it's now or never for the current iteration of the Colts. If the season is going to turn around, it has to start now.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts' DC Lou Anarumo will remain on 'high alert' after Ballard firing