What Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals players have said about likely Notre Dame DC Al Golden

Over the last two years, the Cincinnati Bengals organization has orchestrated the most impressive turnaround in the NFL. Expected Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden played a critical role in flipping the script and according to his players and former boss, head coach Zac Taylor, his value came in more ways than one.

Ahead of Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Los Angeles Rams at their home stadium, Taylor and a handful of Cincinnati Bengals players were asked about Golden’s potential return to the college ranks, one which had been rumored for a few weeks at the time. 

“Since Al got here the last two years, we drafted and developed those guys, and that’s an enormous credit to Al and the job that he’s done,” Taylor said, per Kyle Kelly of Northwestern University’s Medill Reports. “The consistency he brings to this room, how demanding he has been.”

A testament to Golden’s ability to draft and develop his linebackers: 2020 NFL Draft selection Logan Wilson led the NFL this postseason in tackles by 10 stops (39). Right behind him? 2019 NFL Draft pick and Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt, who finished with 29 tackles.

“Those guys certainly have a ton of respect for him, and our coaching staff has a lot of respect for him,” Taylor added. “He’s been there, done that, and I am sure when the time is right, he’s ready for every opportunity that ever comes at him.”

Linebackers coach had an immeasurable impact on his players

Bengals safety Vonn Bell didn’t fall directly under Golden’s purview, but with the mixing up of defensive schemes these days, Bell spent a lot of time watching film with Golden and the linebackers. According to the former Ohio State defensive back, it was time well-spent.

“That’s my guy,” Bell said with a laugh. “He’s simplified the game for me in many ways. The pass game, the run game. Always giving me tips and nuggets.”

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While Golden’s football acumen is clear, Bengals players also spoke highly of his dedication to the team.

“Coach Al, he’s a real good dude,” Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton said. “He is really infectious. He always brings a lot of energy. He is the guy on the sideline that you are going to see hyping up the defense and sideline. You want a coach like that.”

Bengals and former Ohio State defensive end Sam Hubbard brings a unique perspective to the current situation with Golden. He was originally committed to the Irish to play lacrosse, and numerous members of his family went to Notre Dame, including an uncle that played football. He, too, gave raving reviews of Golden.

“Al is one of the hardest working coaches on staff,” Hubbard said. “He puts in countless hours. So much time in the game plans, situations. He really just loves ball. He loves his players. (He’ll do) anything to get the win. You can see that every day in practice and the games how much it means to him, and you really appreciate that.

“I think Al can do anything he puts his mind to. He’s a brilliant coach, great with relationships and people. He’s obviously had experience recruiting. The sky’s the limit for a guy like Al.”

Golden tasked with maintaining defensive success in South Bend

Golden hasn’t been a defensive coordinator since a 2001-05 stint at Virginia. Luckily for him, the defensive foundation in place in South Bend is strong. 

Notre Dame has achieved near-unrivaled consistency on defense in recent years. There are just two FBS defenses that have held opponents under 20 points, on average, for the last four years. They are Iowa and Notre Dame.

On the personnel side, in addition to a defensive-minded head coach who intimately understands the evolution of college offenses in recent years, the Notre Dame defense is full of veterans and is only getting more talented with the 2022 class. Notre Dame’s newest class is headlined by linebacker Jaylen Sneed, and it is their highest-rated recruiting class since 2013. 

Further, a stout defensive line with EDGE Isaiah Foskey — who will likely be chasing former Irish defensive end Justin Tuck’s single-season sack record come the fall — and fifth-year twins Justin and Jayson Ademilola will be huge leaders in the locker room.

The future was already bright for the Irish defense. Now it seems pretty blinding.