Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden set to interview with Bengals

Notre Dame’s Al Golden is expected to interview with Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor in the next 48 hours for the defensive coordinator opening, sources tell On3. The current expectation is Golden will be the Bengals’ next defensive coordinator if all goes as planned.

A source told On3 on Saturday that Golden has not yet interviewed for the opening as his focus has been on Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run. But now after the national championship game, the Bengals are going all-in on the 55-year-old defensive coordinator who is their top candidate.

Golden was a member of the Cincinnati staff that went to the Super Bowl in 2022. He’s maintained close relationships with members inside the building, including Taylor. His 2024 Notre Dame defense ranked in the top 10 nationally, allowing 304.6 yards per game. His experience with the Bengals helped build this year’s Notre Dame defense.

Notre Dame lost in the national championship game Monday night in Atlanta, allowing 445 yards to an explosive Ohio State offensive attack.

“I think the biggest thing right now, it’s humbling that your name is mentioned because of the team success or the success of our defense,” Al Golden said Saturday when asked about returning to the NFL. “It’s a reflection of Mike Mickens, Max Bullough and Al Washington.

“But at the end of the day, this is not the time or the place. This is about the kids. There’s always time to reflect on all of that after the season. The biggest thing for us right now is just understanding the enormity of this game.”

The Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo earlier this month. Cincinnati allowed 23 passing touchdowns in 2023 plus 82 missed tackles in its first 12 games of the 2024 season. The Bengals closed the year allowing 348.3 yards and 25.5 points per game.