Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals will have a familiar face as their next defensive coordinator.
Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. The Bengals announced the hiring Thursday.
Golden was the Bengals linebackers coach during the 2020 and ’21 seasons. He interviewed Tuesday, the day after Notre Dame’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national title game. Golden informed Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman of his decision Wednesday.
“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” Taylor said in a statement. “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 led Cincinnati’s defense for six seasons. Anarumo was hired as the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Monday.
The Bengals ended the season on a five-game winning streak to go 9-8 but missed out on a playoff spot for the second straight year. A major reason for that was the defense.
The Bengals lost four games in which they scored at least 30 points. The defense allowed 414 points, fifth-most in the league, and surrendered a touchdown on 67.9% of opponents’ red-zone possessions, the third-worst rate in the NFL.
Notre Dame was second in the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 14.3 points per game. The Irish were ninth nationally in total defense at 298.3 yards per game.
Despite finishing 25th in the NFL in total defense (348.3 ypg), the Bengals do have some talent on the unit. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson was an All-Pro selection and led the NFL with 17½ sacks. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt tied for fifth with 16 passes defended, and safety Geno Stone was one of 18 players with at least four interceptions.
Most of Golden’s success has been in the college ranks, including head coaching stints with Temple and Miami.
Golden’s NFL coaching experience also includes four seasons with the Detroit Lions. He was the tight ends coach in 2016-17 before shifting to linebackers in 2018-19.
