The winds of change are blowing through the Queen City. After missing the playoffs for a second straight season, the Cincinnati Bengals have shaken up their coaching staff – and a familiar face is making his return to lead the defense.
Sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel that Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to rejoin the Bengals in the same role. The move comes just days after the Fighting Irish fell short against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship, their first title game appearance of the 21st century.
Golden’s Previous Bengals Tenure
This will mark Golden’s second stint on head coach Zac Taylor’s staff in Cincinnati. The 55-year-old previously served as the Bengals’ linebackers coach in 2020 and 2021 before departing to take the reins of Notre Dame’s defense.
During his initial run in the Queen City, Golden played an integral role in molding a defensive unit that helped propel the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years. His strategic mind and leadership abilities were lauded by players and fellow coaches alike.
Al is one of the brightest defensive minds in the game. He has an incredible ability to connect with players and get the most out of them. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Cincinnati.
– Zac Taylor, Bengals Head Coach
Replacing Lou Anarumo
Golden steps in to replace Lou Anarumo, who held the defensive coordinator position for the past six seasons before being dismissed following the 2024 campaign. Despite Anarumo’s success in prior years, the Bengals felt a fresh perspective was needed after missing the postseason again.
The defense struggled mightily in 2024, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories:
- 26th in points allowed per drive
- 30th in defensive red zone efficiency
- 30th in first downs allowed per game
Anarumo faced the difficult task of balancing an aging veteran core with an influx of young, inexperienced players. Injuries also took their toll, testing the unit’s depth. While they showed flashes of improvement during a late five-game win streak, it wasn’t enough to overcome the season’s slow start.
Bengals’ Defensive Transformation
The defense Golden inherits looks vastly different from the one he coached just a few years ago. Longtime leaders like safety Jessie Bates III and defensive tackle DJ Reader departed in free agency, leaving gaping holes in terms of both production and locker room presence.
Golden will be tasked with developing young talents to step into larger roles while also maximizing the skill sets of the remaining veterans. His track record suggests he’s up for the challenge, but it certainly won’t be an easy road ahead.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Dominance
If Golden’s tenure at Notre Dame is any indication, Bengals fans have reason for optimism. The Fighting Irish boasted one of the nation’s most formidable defenses under his watch, ranking 4th among Power Four teams in points allowed per drive (1.21) entering the title game matchup with Ohio State.
While the Irish ultimately came up short against the high-powered Buckeyes offense, their defensive prowess kept them within striking distance until the final whistle. Golden’s aggressive scheme generated consistent pressure on OSU quarterback Chase Harrison, recording 4 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.
Coach Golden had us flying around out there. The preparation and attention to detail was unlike anything I’ve experienced. He put us in position to succeed on every snap.
– Bryce Perkins, Notre Dame LB
Pressure to Deliver Results
The Bengals are in win-now mode with a roster built around superstar QB Joe Burrow and All-Pro WR Ja’Marr Chase. The championship window remains open, but time is ticking. Patience will be thin if the defense doesn’t show marked improvement in 2025.
Golden understands the immense pressure that comes with the job. In a football-crazed city starved for postseason success, mediocrity simply won’t cut it. He must quickly implement his vision and get the most out of a unit that underperformed last season.
I’m honored and humbled to be back in Cincinnati. This organization is first-class from top to bottom. We have unfinished business to take care of, and I can’t wait to get to work.
– Al Golden, Bengals Incoming DC
The Road Ahead
Change is never easy, especially for a proud defense accustomed to success. But if anyone is equipped to navigate this transition, it’s Al Golden. His leadership, acumen, and familiarity with the franchise inspire confidence that the Bengals’ defense can return to form.
The work begins now for Golden and his staff. They must quickly assess the roster, identify areas for improvement, and install new schemes to maximize the talent on hand. OTAs and training camp will be critical for laying the foundation for the 2025 campaign.
The Jungle will be rocking when the Bengals take the field in September. With Al Golden at the controls, a new era dawns for the defense. Expectations are sky-high, but this is a coach who has routinely risen to the occasion. Bengal fans are hoping this reunion is the spark that reignites their Super Bowl dreams.
