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.

Al Golden accomplished a ton in three years at Notre Dame but now the Irish must replace him as he's on his way back to the NFL. Who might they find to do that

The Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator job has been open for more than two weeks now, but there hasn't been much movement on a possible hiring and now we know why: The team was waiting for Notre Dame to finish its season.

Two days after the Fighting Irish lost in the national championship game to Ohio State, they lost Al Golden, who will become Bengals defensive coordinator.

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.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the news: “The #Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to be in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign on as DC, sources tell The Insiders.”

After firing Lou Anarumo following the season, it was clear from the start that Taylor was targeting Golden for the job. Taylor reportedly interviewed Patrick Graham and DeMarcus Covington for the job but ultimately decided to select Golden for the job.

It was clear from the begining that Taylor wanted to hire Golden for the position. Bengals NFL awards Joe Burrow Joe Burrow named one of five finalists for NFL MVP awardStart the day smarter.

Al Golden agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator.

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the hiring of Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday. Golden, 55, spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. That stint followed two years as the Bengals' linebackers coach from 2020-21.

The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing terms with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to bring him aboard in the same position on head coach