Al Golden Returning to Bengals as Defensive Coordinator
Al Golden, the defensive coordinator from Notre Dame, is expected to join the Cincinnati Bengals in the same role, according to sources reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Wednesday. This move comes just days after Notre Dame’s loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Golden’s Background with Notre Dame
Golden, 55, spent the last three years as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. He will replace Lou Anarumo, who held the position for six seasons before being let go after the Bengals missed the postseason in 2024.
Golden’s Previous Role with Bengals
This will be Golden’s second time working with the Bengals. Before joining Notre Dame, he was the Bengals’ linebackers coach for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. During that time, he played a key role in helping the Bengals’ defense reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years.
Notre Dame’s Defense and Golden’s Success
Under Golden’s leadership, the Fighting Irish defense was a key factor in their success, pushing them to within one game of winning their first national championship since 1988. Before their loss to Ohio State, Notre Dame’s defense ranked fourth among Power 4 teams in points allowed per drive, according to ESPN Research.
Task Ahead with Bengals Defense
Golden will now lead a Bengals defense that looks much different than the one he worked with in 2021. Key players from that Super Bowl team, like safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle DJ Reader, left the team in free agency over the past two years. In 2024, the defense faced challenges, including injuries and a mix of aging veterans and inexperienced players.
Despite these struggles, the defense showed improvement during the Bengals’ five-game winning streak to end the regular season. However, after missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year, head coach Zac Taylor decided to make staff changes. Along with Anarumo, offensive line coach Frank Pollack and defensive line coach Marion Hobby were also let go.
Bengals’ Defensive Struggles in 2024
Last season, the Bengals’ defense ranked poorly in several key categories. They finished 26th in points allowed per drive, 30th in defensive red zone efficiency, and 30th in first downs allowed per game, according to ESPN Research.
Bengals’ Focus on Playoff Push
As Cincinnati looks to end its two-year playoff drought, the team is focused on building around star quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow earned his second Pro Bowl selection after a standout year, and Chase made his fourth Pro Bowl in as many seasons. Along with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, they were the first Bengals players to earn All-Pro selections since 2015.
