GoodNews: Cincinnati Bengals to sign a new defensive coordinator see more..

Nov 16, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden watches warmups before a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

Al Golden Expected to Take Job With the Cincinnati Bengals

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is reportedly leaving Notre Dame after three seasons. According to numerous reports on Wednesday, Golden is expected to return to the Cincinnati Bengals as the team’s defensive coordinator. Golden worked with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor as the team’s linebacker coach for two seasons (2021-2022) before joining Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame. The announcement comes just days after Notre Dame lost to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Golden, 55, played football at Penn State from 1988-1991. He had a short stint in the NFL before embarking on a coaching career as offensive coordinator for Red Bank Catholic High School in New Jersey in 1993. Golden landed his first head coaching job at Temple. He led the Owls to an 8-4 season in 2010, and he was named MAC Coach of the Year in 2009. He then went 32-35 over five seasons with the Miami Hurricanes before returning to the NFL from 2016-2021.

Year Three of a Golden Defense
In 2022, Golden began as the head of the Irish defense. He developed his group into one o bengals newsf the top defenses in the nation. A finalist for the 2024 Broyles Award, Golden has helped the Irish defense flourish. Thanks to veteran standouts like Jack Kiser, Rylie Mills, and Xavier Watts, the Irish defense was as feisty and stubborn as ever this year. Through the semifinal round of the CFP, Notre Dame was first in pass efficiency defense (99.50); first in turnovers gained (32); and first in defensive touchdowns (6). Notre Dame surrendered just 14.3 points per game, ranking second in the nation in the category.

Notre Dame held seven opponents to 125 or few passing yards this season, the most instances among all FBS programs during the regular season. The Irish held opponents to 250 or fewer yards of offense in six games this season. That ties for the second-most in FBS during the regular season.

Golden helped several players develop into NFL Draft prospects while at Notre Dame. In 2024, it was linebacker Marist Liufau, Cam Hart, JD Bertrand, and Javontae Jean-Babtiste. Isaiah Foskey was a second-round pick in 2023.

Bengals Tap Al Golden to Revive Struggling Defense

The Bengals need help on defense. Cincinnati ranked 25th in both yards and points allowed during the 2024 season. The Bengals ranked 30th in defensive red zone efficiency and 30th in first downs allowed per game, according to ESPN. Their struggles to pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run led to a disappointing 9-8 record, ultimately keeping them out of the NFL postseason. The Bengals ranked 30th in defensive red zone efficiency and 30th in first downs allowed per game, according to ESPN.

The decision by the Bengals to hire Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator is a savvy move. It brings experience and leadership to Taylor’s coaching staff. Golden has a proven track record of developing players and creating disciplined defenses. His extensive knowledge of the NFL landscape will also be an asset. While it is a tough loss for Notre Dame, the Bengals are taking a big step toward building a more formidable defense for next season.

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