Al Golden Returns to the NFL as Bengals Defensive Coordinator After Successful Run at Notre Dame

After three successful seasons as the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame, Al Golden is heading back to the NFL, accepting an offer to become the Cincinnati Bengals’ new defensive coordinator. This marks Golden’s first opportunity to lead a defense at the professional level after six years as an NFL assistant, including a stint as the Bengals’ linebackers coach from 2020 to 2021.

Golden, 55, informed Notre Dame officials of his decision on Wednesday afternoon, bringing an end to his tenure with the Fighting Irish. In a twist of fate, Golden left the Bengals to join Notre Dame after the Bengals lost in Super Bowl LVI to the Los Angeles Rams in February 2022. His time at Notre Dame came to a close with a 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship, which marked his final game with the Irish.

During his three seasons in South Bend, Golden’s defense earned widespread praise. Notre Dame finished tied for fourth in FBS scoring defense with just 15.5 points allowed per game, despite battling injuries throughout the season. The Irish led the nation with 33 takeaways, scored six defensive touchdowns, and dominated in turnover margin, finishing with a plus-18 differential.

Golden was also named one of five finalists for the prestigious Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach. His leadership helped elevate Notre Dame’s defense to one of the most formidable in college football, though his departure opens the door for new leadership under head coach Marcus Freeman.

As Golden exits, defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Mickens, 37, and defensive run-game coordinator Al Washington, 40, are two potential in-house candidates to replace him. Mickens, who has been instrumental in building the nation’s top pass-efficiency defense over the past two years, has long been regarded as a rising star in the coaching ranks. Freeman, who has known Mickens for over two decades, expressed confidence in his ability to take on the defensive coordinator role when the right opportunity arises.

“I’m not super excited to see him leaving our defensive coaching staff at any point soon,” Freeman said of Mickens.

Golden’s departure comes just after he and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, 60, were extended with contracts through 2027. Both Golden and Denbrock were reportedly earning more than $2 million annually, putting them among the highest-paid coordinators in college football.

With Golden heading back to the NFL, he joins a growing list of former college coaching talents making the jump to the professional ranks. The Bengals’ decision to hire him signals confidence in his abilities, especially after Golden helped shape one of the most impressive defenses in recent college football memory.

As Golden transitions back to the NFL, he will have the chance to square off against former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, now with the Cleveland Browns. The two will meet twice a year as division rivals in the AFC North.

With Golden’s departure, Notre Dame faces the challenge of finding a new leader for its defense, but the program is well-positioned to maintain continuity with the experienced staff in place.