Bengals Hire Al Golden as New Defensive Coordinator

The Cincinnati Bengals have officially hired Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, succeeding Lou Anarumo. Golden's previous success at Notre Dame, where he led a strong defense, has raised hopes for improvement in a Bengals unit that struggled in 2024, ranking 25th in points allowed per game. He plans to retain some elements of Anarumo's playbook while also making significant adjustments to enhance player development and overall performance. Golden will focus on getting more from young players like Dax Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt, as the Bengals are not looking to completely overhaul their roster. His familiarity with the staff and emphasis on collaboration is expected to foster a productive environment. The Bengals hope that Golden's leadership will lead them to more success in the upcoming season.