Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden may have coached his final game with the Fighting Irish, as he emerges as a leading candidate for the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator position, per NFL Network. The Bengals waited until Notre Dame’s appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game before moving forward with Golden.
If selected, this would mark Golden’s second tenure with the Bengals, having previously served as their linebackers coach from 2020 to 2021. Before his time with the Bengals, Golden spent four years on the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff.
Golden’s coaching career is notable, with a decade as a college head coach, splitting five years each at Temple and Miami. His leadership at both programs left a lasting impression in college football.
At 55, Golden also has a brief history as a player, signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted tight end in 1992, though he never appeared in a regular-season game.
