Report: Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor 'Paused' Defensive Coordinator Search to Speak With Al Golden

The Cincinnati Bengals plan to hire a new defensive coordinator with Al Golden this week, yet the process has come under fire. While Zac Taylor and the Bengals’ familiarity with Golden and vice versa is a good thing and might be the right fit right now, it’s hard to blame those onlookers who feel that the process itself was an issue.

Campbell could be a strong choice for Cincinnati. He definitely addresses a position of need, as the Bengals urgently need to enhance their linebacking corps. There are also other areas that require attention, including the defensive line and the secondary.

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledges fans after the victory over the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kati

Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. More: 3 Wolverines, 3 ex-Spartans make ESPN list of top 100 college football players from '24-25

The Dolphins are scheduled to play a home game in the upcoming season against Cincinnati, though one of their home games will be played in Spain.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Wednesday afternoon that Golden, the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame this season, has informed the school of his decision to join the Bengals.

The Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator post is no longer vacant. Word broke Wednesday that the Bengals would announce the hire of Al Golden as defensive coordinator. Golden's hire follows the Monday announcement of additional coaching hires on the offensive side of the ball.

The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly found their next defensive coordinator – and he has prior experience under head coach Zac Taylor.

Cincinnati is finalizing a deal to hire Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to run its defense. Golden helped lead the Fighting Irish to Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship game where they lost to Ohio State. He is expected to officially sign with the team on Thursday.