Home Sport live NFL Al Golden set to rejoin Bengals as defensive coordinator, according to AP source.

Al Golden set to rejoin Bengals as defensive coordinator, according to AP source.

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Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals have brought back a familiar face to lead their defense.
Al Golden confirmed his return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after spending three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. This information comes from a source familiar with the matter, who spoke under anonymity since the appointment has yet to be publicly announced.

Golden previously served as the Bengals’ linebackers coach during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. After Notre Dame’s recent 34-23 defeat to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national title game, Golden interviewed for the Bengals’ defensive coordinator position on Tuesday. He communicated his decision to Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman the following day and is anticipated to arrive in Cincinnati on Thursday.

He takes over the role from Lou Anarumo, who was at the helm of Cincinnati’s defense for six years before recently being appointed the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts on Monday. The NFL Network was the first to report that an agreement was close between Golden and the Bengals.

Cincinnati wrapped up the season on a positive note, winning five consecutive games, culminating in a 9-8 record; however, they missed the playoffs for the second year in a row, largely due to defensive shortcomings.

The Bengals struggled in critical moments, losing four games where they put up at least 30 points. Overall, their defense allowed 414 points—ranking fifth highest in the league—and had a troubling tendency of conceding touchdowns on 67.9% of opposing red zone drives, which was the third-worst statistic in the NFL.

In contrast, Notre Dame boasted impressive defensive statistics, placing second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring defense by allowing only 14.3 points per game. They ranked ninth nationally in total defense, permitting an average of 298.3 yards per game.

While the Bengals finished 25th in the league for total defense, allowing 348.3 yards per game, there are standout players on their roster. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson earned All-Pro honors and led the NFL with 17.5 sacks. Additionally, cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt tied for fifth in the league with 16 passes defended, and safety Geno Stone was among a select few with four or more interceptions this past season.

Much of Golden’s prior success has been in college football, having served as a head coach at both Temple and Miami. He also has experience in the NFL, notably with the Detroit Lions, where he spent four seasons. Golden was the tight ends coach in 2016 and 2017 and later transitioned to coaching linebackers in 2018 and 2019.