The Notre Dame Fighting Irish reached the national championship game thanks to their formidable defense but ultimately fell short against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Now, it appears they may lose a key coach who played a significant role in their success. According to a report from Pete Nakos of On3, defensive coordinator Al Golden is anticipated to leave the team for an NFL opportunity, specifically as the next defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, pending a formal interview with the team.
“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 noted that Golden has focused on Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run and has not yet interviewed for the position. However, after the national championship game, the Bengals are all-in on the 55-year-old defensive coordinator, who is considered their top candidate. Golden was instrumental in leading the Fighting Irish defense, which ranked in the top 10 nationally across various statistical categories, including total defense.
After parting ways with previous defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, the Bengals are in search of a replacement. It will be interesting to see how Golden transitions to the NFL and who the Fighting Irish will pursue to fill his position.
