The Cincinnati Bengals are determined not to let Joe Burrow down again, actively pursuing the best candidate for their defensive coordinator position. They have their eyes set on a familiar figure for Cincinnati and their fans: Al Golden, currently the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame and a former linebackers coach for the Bengals. Following a disappointing 2024 season that saw the team miss the NFL Playoffs and resulted in the firing of Lou Anarumo, the Bengals are looking for a fresh start.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Golden is expected to interview for the role, and a hiring seems imminent. Before moving to South Bend, Golden was with the Bengals from 2020 to 2021, overseeing the linebackers. His first season as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame was notably impressive, with the Irish defense ranking in the Top 5 across several metrics and allowing the fewest passing yards per game in FBS—a strong indication of his capability.
Despite reaching the AFC Championship Games in 2021 and 2022, the Bengals have struggled in recent seasons, failing to make the playoffs the last two years. With pivotal contract negotiations looming for key players like Tee Higgins, there may be significant changes ahead. Nevertheless, Cincinnati hopes that Golden’s hiring will yield defensive improvements.
The NFL community has had a mixed reaction to the Bengals’ potential new hire. Some fans are excited, while others express skepticism.
In my Golden era or sum https://t.co/CEFxPq2vdq
— MVP Jake Browning (@Bengals_4L) January 22, 2025
A guy who’s never been an NFL defensive coordinator is trusted to lead the defense during Burrow’s prime. This front office continually demonstrates they have no desire to win super bowls. https://t.co/ZUjKIUfwnE
— Stripes (@DocStripes) January 22, 2025
Let’s go! https://t.co/DS6qhylzWA
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) January 22, 2025
Heading toward another “safe” hire for Zac Taylor, versus bringing in a proven top-tier defensive coordinator like Matt Eberflus. That said, if you couldn’t tell the OSU offense had a mile-wide talent/athleticism gap over the Notre Dame defense I don’t know what to tell you. https://t.co/oX1ZR1YIHH
— Brian (@BrianCinBengals) January 22, 2025
