CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals officially announced the appointment of Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday. Golden previously served as the Bengals’ linebackers coach during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before taking a position at Notre Dame, where he was the defensive coordinator for three years.
Golden interviewed for the Bengals’ defensive coordinator role on Tuesday, just a day after Notre Dame suffered a 34-23 defeat to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship. On Wednesday, he informed Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, about his decision to return to Cincinnati.
“Al is a highly respected coach, and we are thrilled to have him back as our defensive coordinator,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor in a statement. “He possesses a comprehensive understanding of football at all levels and has demonstrated considerable success as a coordinator and head coach. Al brings a strategic, tough, and aggressive mindset that will enhance our defense.”
Golden steps in to replace Lou Anarumo, who held the defensive coordinator position for six seasons. Anarumo recently accepted a role as the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.
The Bengals concluded their season with a strong finish, winning five consecutive games to achieve a 9-8 record, yet they missed out on playoff contention for the second consecutive year, largely due to defensive struggles. The team dropped four matches despite scoring over 30 points, allowed a total of 414 points—ranking fifth in the league—and had a disappointing red zone defense, allowing touchdowns on 67.9% of opponents’ red zone chances, the third-worst in the NFL.
Conversely, Notre Dame excelled defensively under Golden, finishing second in the Football Bowl Subdivision by allowing just 14.3 points per game and ranking ninth in overall defense, permitting an average of 298.3 yards per game. Six players from Golden’s defense were selected in the 2023 and 2024 NFL drafts, highlighting his ability to develop talent.
While the Bengals ranked 25th in total defense, allowing an average of 348.3 yards per game, they still possess some promising players. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson was named an All-Pro after leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt excelled defensively, tying for fifth in the league with 16 passes defended, and safety Geno Stone was among 18 players with at least four interceptions.
Al Golden has mainly found success in college football, with previous experience as a head coach at Temple and Miami. His NFL coaching background includes a four-season stint with the Detroit Lions, where he worked as a tight ends coach in 2016 and 2017 before transitioning to coach linebackers from 2018 to 2019.
