Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals are set to welcome a familiar face as their new defensive coordinator.
Al Golden, after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, has agreed to return to Cincinnati, according to a source who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, as the move has not yet been officially announced.
Golden previously served as the Bengals’ linebackers coach in 2020 and 2021. He interviewed for the position on Tuesday, following Notre Dame’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national title game. On Wednesday, Golden informed Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman of his decision, with plans to be in Cincinnati the next day.
Golden takes over for Lou Anarumo, who spent six years with the Bengals and was recently hired as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator.
The Bengals finished the season with a 9-8 record, capped by a five-game win streak, but narrowly missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. A key factor in their downfall was their defense, which allowed 414 points, the fifth-most in the league, and struggled in the red zone, giving up touchdowns on 67.9% of opponent possessions—ranking third-worst in the NFL.
In contrast, Golden’s defense at Notre Dame was second in the nation in scoring defense, giving up only 14.3 points per game, and ranked ninth in total defense at 298.3 yards per game.
While the Bengals ranked 25th in total defense (348.3 yards allowed per game), the team does have some promising pieces, including All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17½ sacks, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who tied for fifth with 16 passes defended, and safety Geno Stone, who had at least four interceptions.
Golden’s career has largely been rooted in the college ranks, including head coaching stints at Temple and Miami, but he also has NFL experience, having coached with the Detroit Lions for four seasons—first as tight ends coach (2016-17), then as linebackers coach (2018-19).
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