The Cincinnati Bengals weren’t just spectators as Ohio State defeated Notre Dame 34-23 in Monday’s National Championship Game.
The team was closely watching a potential hire: Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden.
According to the NFL Network, Golden has emerged “as the top candidate” for the Bengals’ vacant defensive coordinator position.
As a matter of fact, insider Tom Pelissero is reporting that a deal will officially be signed tomorrow.
The Bengals are searching for a replacement for Lou Anarumo, who has since joined the Indianapolis Colts.
Golden’s stellar work with Notre Dame’s defense has caught Taylor’s attention, and his NFL experience makes him an intriguing option.
Under Golden’s leadership, Notre Dame boasted one of the strongest defenses in all of college football.
Despite falling short in the national title game, the Irish defense allowed 30 or more points in just two of their 16 games this season.
Golden’s creative, aggressive scheme was built on physicality and opportunism.
Eighteen players registered sacks this season, while nine defenders recorded at least one interception, contributing to a team total of 19.
Although Golden’s defense couldn’t fully contain Ohio State in the championship game, his overall success in South Bend has made him a sought-after name in coaching circles.
Golden’s potential return to Cincinnati would be a homecoming of sorts. He served on the Bengals’ coaching staff from 2020 to 2021, helping the team secure an AFC Championship in the 2021 season.
After the Bengals’ loss in Super Bowl LVI, he transitioned back to the college game, joining Marcus Freeman’s staff at Notre Dame.
Golden’s name has surfaced as speculation about Freeman’s future continues.
Freeman, rumored to be a candidate for various NFL head coaching positions, has routinely denied interest in leaving Notre Dame – at least anytime soon.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are eager to rebuild their defense under Taylor’s leadership after parting ways with the popular Anarumo.
With Golden now available for discussions, Taylor can begin working toward securing his top choice.
Golden’s NFL experience and his track record of building elite defenses at Notre Dame make him a strong contender to help Cincinnati remain competitive in the AFC.
As Bengals fans are well aware, their defense is what single-handily held them back this year. The hope is that Golden would greatly improve the unit and help turn Cincy back into being Super Bowl contenders.
When asked point-blank about Cincinnati’s interest in him, Golden made it clear that he was in no mood to speculate.
“I’m sorry, I can’t even fathom thinking about anything right now other than what we just experienced,” Golden said after Monday’s loss to the Buckeyes.
What are your thoughts on Golden? … Is he a smart hire for Taylor and the Bengals?
On the other side, who should Freeman replace him with as defensive coordinator in South Bend???
