Reports: Bengals bringing back Al Golden as DC

Field Level Media|published: Wed 22nd January, 17:03 2025

NCAA Football: CFP National Championship Media Day

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: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals are hiring former position coach Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, NFL Network and ESPN reported Wednesday.

Golden is expected in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign, according to NFL Network. Golden, who has spent the past three years as the DC at Notre Dame, has informed university athletic officials of his decision.

Golden was linebackers coach with the Bengals before taking the job at Notre Dame.

Golden replaces Lou Anarumo, who was dismissed on Jan. 6. Anarumo had been defensive coordinator of the Bengals since Zac 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, which he did Wednesday, per the reports. Notre Dame lost 34-23 to Ohio State on Monday night.

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).

Defensive line coach Marion Hobby and linebackers coach James Bettcher were also fired with Anarumo, who has since been hired as DC by the Indianapolis Colts.

--Field Level Media