NFL – Former University of Notre Dame coach Al Golden becomes Cincinnati bengals defensive coordinator for 2025 season
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Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the CFP National Championship college football game at mercedes-Benz Stadium. mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Al Golden is back with the Cincinnati Bengals! Orphaned as a defensive coordinator as the dismissal of Lou Anarumo, who has since found a position as defensive coordinator with the indianapolis Colts, the Bengals looked to their old acquaintances to fill the holes in their coaching staff. This is how the name Al Golden emerged to become Bengals defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
The #Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to be in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign on as DC, sources tell The Insiders.
Golden spent two seasons as Bengals LBs coach before joining the Irish. Now, a reunion.pic.twitter.com/9vE6SAof7U
— Tom pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 22, 2025
Al Golden is no stranger to Ohio. The coach already had success with the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2021 season. At that time,golden coached the linebackers for the AFC North franchise. With this team, he reached the Super Bowl lost to the los Angeles Rams. Golden therefore knows the Bengals perfectly but also the head coach, Zac Taylor, who was already in office during this famous 2021 season. as his departure, Golden had taken up the position of head coach at the University of Notre Dame, which he led to the national final during this 2024 season.
The work for Al Golden still promises to be intense. Despite quality players, the Cincinnati bengals defensive squad still remains the Achilles heel of this franchise. An Achilles heel which undoubtedly cost qualification for the playoffs during the 2024 season. Golden will therefore have to find the right alchemy to bring this defense to the same level as the flamboyant attack of the Bengals. It is at this price that Cincinnati will be able to regain playoff and title ambitions from next season.
Photo credit: © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
NFL – Al Golden Returns to Cincinnati Bengals as Defensive Coordinator for 2025 Season
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden against the Ohio State buckeyes during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Al Golden is making a triumphant return to the Cincinnati Bengals, stepping into the role of defensive coordinator for the 2025 NFL season. This move comes after the departure of Lou Anarumo, who has as taken up a similar position with the Indianapolis Colts. The Bengals, in search of a seasoned leader to bolster their defensive strategies, turned to Golden, a familiar face with a proven track record.
The #Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to be in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign on as DC, sources tell The Insiders.
Golden spent two seasons as Bengals LBs coach before joining the Irish. Now, a reunion. pic.twitter.com/9vE6SAof7U
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 22, 2025
Golden’s history with the Bengals dates back to the 2021 season, where he served as the linebackers coach. during his tenure,the team made a remarkable run to the Super Bowl,narrowly losing to the Los Angeles Rams. His familiarity with the association and head coach Zac Taylor, who was at the helm during that memorable season, makes this reunion a strategic fit.After leaving the Bengals, Golden took on the head
Al Golden’s return to the Cincinnati Bengals as defensive coordinator for the 2025 season marks a meaningful reunion and a strategic move for the franchise. Golden, who previously served as the Bengals’ linebackers coach during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the organization. His tenure in Cincinnati included a memorable run to Super Bowl LVI, where the team narrowly lost to the Los Angeles Rams [[1]].
After his departure from the Bengals, Golden took on the role of defensive coordinator at the University of Notre Dame, where he led the Fighting Irish to the CFP National Championship game in the 2024 season. His return to Cincinnati comes at a pivotal time, as the Bengals seek to solidify their defense, which has been a persistent weakness despite their explosive offence. The team missed the playoffs in 2024, largely due to defensive struggles, and Golden’s task will be to elevate the unit to match the caliber of their high-powered attack [[2]].
Golden’s familiarity with head coach Zac Taylor and the Bengals’ system should facilitate a smooth transition.His previous success with the team and his recent accomplishments at Notre Dame underscore his capability to lead and inspire. However, the challenge ahead is formidable. The Bengals’ defense underperformed in 2024, and Golden will need to find the right balance and strategy to maximize the potential of a roster that includes talented players but has lacked consistency [[3]].
For the Bengals,this hire represents a calculated effort to address a critical weakness and reclaim their status as Super Bowl contenders. Golden’s return is not just a nod to the past but a forward-looking move aimed at restoring balance to a team with championship aspirations. The 2025 season will be a litmus test for both Golden and the Bengals, as they aim to prove that their defense can rise to the occasion and complement one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
Al Golden’s rehiring is a strategic decision that underscores the Bengals’ commitment to addressing their defensive shortcomings. His track record,familiarity with the organization,and recent success at Notre Dame make him a fitting choice to lead the defense. The pressure will be on Golden to deliver, but if he can replicate or surpass his previous achievements, the Bengals could once again emerge as serious contenders in the NFL.
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