Some believe that the national championship game could be the last game for DC Al Golden at Notre Dame
After the Cincinnati Bengals let go of defensive coordinator Lou Anuramo a few weeks, rumors started to circulate heavily around Notre Dame assistant Al Golden. Coach Golden previously served as the linebacker coach under Bengals head coach Zac Taylor from 2020-21, and immediately became a serious name to know for the job. A to Z […]
After the Cincinnati Bengals let go of defensive coordinator Lou Anuramo a few weeks, rumors started to circulate heavily around Notre Dame assistant Al Golden. Coach Golden previously served as the linebacker coach under Bengals head coach Zac Taylor from 2020-21, and immediately became a serious name to know for the job.
A to Z Sports Bengals writer John Sheeran recently reported on the job vacancy, and cited some intel from BengalsTalk.com's Drae Harris, a former NFL player and scout, and now reporter. According to Harris, the Bengals are locked in on former Las Vegas Raiders DC Patrick Graham and Notre Dame DC Al Golden for the position. Sheeran also stated that Harris went on to make his prediction for who will end up with the job.
"I believe Golden will be the Bengals' next defensive coordinator." – BengalsTalk.com's Drae Harris
According to Sheeran, “Since the beginning of this search, Golden has been tabbed a favorite to land the gig. He's been a DC for eight of his 32 years of coaching, including the last three years at Notre Dame, and was a head coach for even longer at the college level. The Fighting Irish are preparing to play in the College Football Playoff National Championship after he coached the defense into a top-10 unit this season.”
The relationship between Golden and the Bengals is undeniable, and it does appear like there is legitimate interest. For now, Coach Golden is focused on trying to help Notre Dame win a national championship on Monday night against the Ohio State Buckeyes. It does appear that things could heat up quickly after.
There are a lot of things to figure out between both sides. Coach Golden’s son is beginning school at Notre Dame, and there is going to be a massive buyout if he does want to leave the program. The money also might be more lucrative to stay in South Bend, but that is purely speculation.
Coach Golden also does seem very happy to be in the position he is, and has been thriving as one of the very best defensive coordinators in all of college football. Is taking the challenge on the NFL level enough to drive him away? That remains to be seen.
