Al Golden appointed Bengals defensive coordinator after Notre Dame success

Al Golden has officially returned to the Cincinnati Bengals as their new defensive coordinator, having previously served as their linebackers coach from 2020 to 2021. In his introductory press conference, Golden expressed gratitude for his time at Notre Dame, where he helped lead one of the top defensive units in the nation, and emphasized the difficulty of leaving the program. He stated that he made a point to communicate personally with as many players as possible about his departure, reflecting his commitment to them. Golden cited the opportunity to coach in the NFL and the presence of star quarterback Joe Burrow as significant factors in his decision to return to Cincinnati. He praised the current state of the Fighting Irish under head coach Marcus Freeman, expressing confidence in their future success. Golden's family ties to Cincinnati also played a crucial role in his decision to accept the Bengals position.