The Indianapolis Colts are still reportedly adding to their defensive coaching staff under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
Editor’s note: The Colts have made the hiring of Jerome Henderson official.
Last week, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that the Colts were “targeting” veteran defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson. Now, Zenitz is reporting that the Colts are “set to hire” Henderson as a defensive backs coach.
The #Colts are in fact set to hire Jerome Henderson as a defensive backs coach, sources tell me and @TomLoy247.
Henderson, who has worked in the NFL since 2006, was the Giants’ defensive pass game coordinator this past season. Interviewed for New York’s DC job last year.… https://t.co/dNid3mn6LY pic.twitter.com/9kIdFZ6cxM
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 21, 2025
The Colts already have Chris Hewitt on staff as their pass game coordinator and secondary coach under Anarumo.
If we look back at the construction of Anarumo’s staff in Cincinnati, he did have a separate coach for the cornerbacks and one for the safeties. So perhaps Hewitt and Henderson will work in that capacity together. Or it’s possible that Henderson will be an assistant defensive backs coach.
Henderson was the New York Giants defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator in 2024.
He had been with the Giants for the previous five seasons and interviewed during the 2024 offseason for their defensive coordinator opening at that time after the team moved on from Wink Martindale.
Henderson has been coaching in the NFL since 2007 and has had previous stops in Atlanta (2016-2019), Dallas (2012-2015), Cleveland (2009-2011), and with the New York Jets (2007-2008).
Henderson has worked with the defensive backs in each of those coaching roles.
As GM Chris Ballard said after the season, the Colts have to get better in the secondary. Part of that equation is Ballard adding more competition to those position groups. However, the Colts have also focused heavily on that unit with their additions to the coaching staff.
Anarumo’s coaching background is rooted in the secondary, while Hewitt has an extensive and impressive track record working with defensive backs. Henderson is now another experienced voice in that room.