Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Bengals hire Al Golden as defensive coordinator

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the hiring of Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday.

Golden, 55, spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. That stint followed two years as the Bengals’ linebackers coach from 2020-21.

“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor said. “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 replaces Lou Anarumo, who was dismissed on Jan. 6. Anarumo had been defensive coordinator of the Bengals since Taylor became head coach in 2019.

Taylor had to wait until the College Football Playoff championship game concluded before being able to talk with Golden. Notre Dame lost 34-23 to Ohio State on Monday night.

Under Golden in 2024, the Fighting Irish defense finished fifth in the nation in points allowed per game (15.5).

The Bengals finished this past season 25th in total defense (348.3 yards per game) and tied for 26th in points allowed (25.5 per game).

–Field Level Media

Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Reports: Bengals bringing back Al Golden as DC

The Cincinnati Bengals are hiring former position coach Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, NFL Network and ESPN reported Wednesday.

Golden is expected in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign, according to NFL Network. Golden, who has spent the past three years as the DC at Notre Dame, has informed university athletic officials of his decision.

Golden was linebackers coach with the Bengals before taking the job at Notre Dame.

Golden replaces Lou Anarumo, who was dismissed on Jan. 6. Anarumo had been defensive coordinator of the Bengals since Zac Taylor became head coach in 2019.

Taylor had to wait until the College Football Playoff championship game concluded before being able to talk with Golden, which he did Wednesday, per the reports. Notre Dame lost 34-23 to Ohio State on Monday night.

The Bengals finished this past season 25th in total defense (348.3 yards per game) and tied for 26th in points allowed (25.5 per game).

Defensive line coach Marion Hobby and linebackers coach James Bettcher were also fired with Anarumo, who has since been hired as DC by the Indianapolis Colts.

–Field Level Media

Nov 21, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebackers coach Al Golden against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Notre Dame to name Al Golden its defensive coordinator

Notre Dame is expected to hire Cincinnati Bengals linebackers coach Al Golden as its defensive coordinator, The Athletic reported Tuesday.

Golden had been on the radar of new Fighting Irish coach Marcus Freeman but was tied up as the Bengals prepared for Super Bowl LVI on Sunday.

For the 52-year-old Golden, the move to Notre Dame marks a return to the college game.

He previously was the head coach at Temple (2006-10) and Miami (2011-15). Under Golden, Temple was 27-34, and he had a 32-25 record with the Hurricanes. His teams were 0-3 in bowl appearances.

He spent the past two seasons in Cincinnati. Previous career stops include Boston College, Penn State, Virginia and the Detroit Lions.

–Field Level Media