Bengals hire Al Golden as defensive coordinator
Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images 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.
"Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator," Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor said. "He understands football at every level and has had great success as a coordinator, position coach and head coach. Al has a great football mind and will bring a smart, physical, aggressive approach to our defense."
Golden replaces Lou Anarumo, who was dismissed on Jan. 6. Anarumo had been defensive coordinator of the Bengals since Taylor became head coach in 2019.
Taylor had to wait until the College Football Playoff championship game concluded before being able to talk with Golden. Notre Dame lost 34-23 to Ohio State on Monday night.
Under Golden in 2024, the Fighting Irish defense finished fifth in the nation in points allowed per game (15.5).
The Bengals finished this past season 25th in total defense (348.3 yards per game) and tied for 26th in points allowed (25.5 per game).
--Field Level Media
- NBA Predictions: Three Picks for Monday, Including Hawks-Lakers and Spurs-Suns
- Bills vs. Vikings Monday Night Football Betting Picks
- Buccaneers vs. Bears Sunday Night Football Bet Picks
- UFC Vegas 124: Betting Picks for Suarez-Jandiroba, Grant-Smith and More
- UFC Vegas 124 Line Movement: Two Fights Have Flipped Since Opening
- College Football Picks Today: Three Best Bets for Saturday's Massive Slate
- UFC Fight Night Underdog Pick: Davey Grant Offers Value at +270
