The Cincinnati Bengals were able to lure defensive coordinator Al Golden away from Notre Dame. And they might’ve been the only team capable of doing it. Golden impressed onlookers during his introduction early this week. Naturally, one of the bigger talking points about his arrival was that it technically served as a return.

The Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator job has been open for more than two weeks now, but there hasn't been much movement on a possible hiring and now we know why: The team was waiting for Notre Dame to finish its season.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor introduces new defensive coordinator Al Golden at Paycor Stadium. Golden was hired last week after the Bengals fired former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Anarumo is now the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.

Al Golden, the newly appointed defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, is determined to bring about significant changes to the team's defense. Golden, who previously served as the Bengals' linebackers coach from 2020-21,

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Meet Al Golden, the new defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. Golden’s 280-mile journey back to Cincinnati from South Bend, Indiana began at 5 a.m. Thursday. When he saw Paycor Stadium sitting in the distance, he knew he was home, he said.

Al Golden’s return to the Cincinnati Bengals was made official Thursday, with the franchise announcing he was hired as defensive coordinator.

The Cincinnati Bengals need quite a bit of help. However, for the first time in quite a while, they aren’t highly expected to go offensive line with their first-round pick. That will be addressed later in the draft,