Wednesday afternoon, the Cincinnati Bengals hired former Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden to the same role. Golden returns to Cincinnati, where he was the linebackers coach in 2021.
His familiarity with Zac Taylor was a big reason that Golden has been linked to the job since the Bengals fired Lou Anarumo, but Golden wanted to finish his season with Notre Dame. Golden led the Irish defense all the way to the College Football Playoff National Championship game before falling to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday night.
Golden’s unit was top in the country in sacks and turnovers in 2024, something Bengals fans hope he brings to Cincinnati.