The Cincinnati Bengals are seeking a new defensive coordinator following their decision to part ways with Lou Anarumo this offseason, and it appears they may have identified his successor. According to Pete Nakos of On3, Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is anticipated to leave his current position to take up the role with the Bengals, pending a formal interview with the team’s management.
“Notre Dame’s Al Golden is expected to interview with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor in the next 48 hours for the defensive coordinator opening, sources tell On3. The current expectation is Golden will be the Bengals’ next defensive coordinator if all goes as planned,” Nakos wrote for On3. A source informed On3 on Saturday that Golden had not yet interviewed for the position as he was focused on Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run. However, after the national championship game, the Bengals are now fully committed to hiring the 55-year-old defensive coordinator, who is their prime candidate.
This development comes in light of the Bengals’ defensive struggles during the past season, despite a commendable performance from quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati offense. The Bengals encountered difficulties, losing four games in which Burrow and the offense scored 30 or more points—leading the league in that disheartening category. While Cincinnati’s offense set a franchise record with 472 points, the defense allowed 434 points in return, undeniably affecting the team’s playoff chances and squandering Burrow’s MVP-caliber season. It remains to be seen whether Golden can bolster the team’s defensive performance.
