The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame’s Al Golden to fill their vacant defensive coordinator job, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday.
Cincinnati officially announced its hire of Golden on Thursday.
“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” head coach Zac Taylor said in a statement released by the team. “He understands football at every level and has had great success as a coordinator, position coach and head coach. Al has a great football mind and will bring a smart, physical, aggressive approach to our defense.”
Golden, 55, served as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator the past three seasons, helping the Irish advance to the 2024 national title game, where they lost to Ohio State, 34-23. Notre Dame allowed the fourth-fewest points per game in FBS last season at 15.5.
The Bengals parted ways with former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after he’d served as the team’s DC from 2019 to 2024. The Colts hired Anarumo to the same position on Tuesday.