CINCINNATI — Al Golden was introduced as the new Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Monday.
ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported Wednesday afternoon that Golden, the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame this season, had informed the school of his decision to join the Bengals.
Golden is no stranger to Cincinnati nor head coach Zac Taylor. Before arriving at Notre Dame in 2022, Golden worked as the Bengals linebackers coach from 2020 through 2021. He also spent time in Detroit, working as the Lions tight ends coach from 2016-2017 before becoming linebackers coach in 2018.
“When I made that right off I-74 and saw the stadium, I knew I was home.”
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) January 27, 2025
— #Bengals new Defensive Coordinator Al Golden, on arriving in Cincinnati pic.twitter.com/jLRyia17A2
Taylor noted that Golden's last game in the NFL was the Super Bowl and his last game in college was the National Championship.
Golden said in his introductory press conference Monday that for results, the entire team needs to buy-in.
"Each guy takes a journey that's a little different, the young guy versus a veteran," Golden said. "If we can get to the point where we all believe in the same thing, and you start to see it on tape, that's where the magic happens."
I asked Al Golden if he still had Bengals gear in his closet - from his previous stint as the Bengals’ LB Coach.
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) January 27, 2025
“I did, no doubt. I would never give up that experience.”#Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/vWoPOvJvdi
"Al is a very highly regarded coach and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator," said Zac Taylor, Bengals head coach, in a press release. "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."
I asked Al Golden if college & pro football have grown more similar over the years.
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) January 27, 2025
He mentioned the “green dot” among other things.
Then Zac Taylor chimed-in: “The money is close to the same”
Al laughed & responded: “Depends who you talk to.” pic.twitter.com/5iMj2HaoWT
Earlier in his career, while the head coach at Temple University, Golden was a candidate for the head coaching gig at the University of Cincinnati after Brian Kelly's departure. He later withdrew from consideration. Just one season later, he became the University of Miami's head coach, spending five seasons with the Hurricanes.
The 55-year-old replaces Lou Anarumo, who joined the Bengals as defensive coordinator in 2019. Anarumo was a crucial part of the team's Super Bowl run in 2021 and even drew interest from other teams for head coaching vacancies, but a difficult season resulting in Cincinnati's defense finishing 25th in the league in points and yards allowed per game ended in his firing.
Anarumo has since been hired as the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator.
The Bengals also fired linebackers coach James Bettcher and defensive line coach Marion Hobby, along with offensive line coach Frank Pollack. Scott Peters has since been hired as offensive line coach, with Michael McCarthy becoming the assistant offensive line coach.
Now, Golden must complete his defensive staff. WCPO will provide any hiring updates as they are announced.
