Report: Golden leaving Notre Dame to become Bengals DC
The Cincinnati Bengals are hiring Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden in the same role to replace Lou Anarumo, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Golden has reportedly already informed the Fighting Irish about his decision to go back to the NFL.
The 55-year-old spent three seasons at Notre Dame and helped the school build one of the nation's best defenses along with head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish's defensive unit was key in their spectacular playoff run that ended with a loss to Ohio State in the national game earlier this week.
Golden worked for the Bengals before joining Notre Dame, serving as the franchise's linebackers coach from 2020-21.
In his second Bengals stint, Golden will inherit a Cincy defense that ranked 25th in points and yards allowed in 2024. The unit's struggles, particularly in the secondary, were one of the main reasons the team missed the playoffs despite an incredible season offensively with Joe Burrow at quarterback.
The Bengals fired Anarumo at the end of the regular season. He's since agreed to become the Indianapolis Colts' defensive coordinator.
Cincinnati's defensive unit has ranked outside the top 20 in EPA/play in each of the last two seasons.