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The Cincinnati Bengals announced the hiring of Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday.

Golden, 55, spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. That stint followed two years as the Bengals’ linebackers coach from 2020-21.

“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor said. “He understands football at every level and has had great success as a coordinator, position coach and head coach. Al has a great football mind and will bring a smart, physical, aggressive approach to our defense.”

Golden replaces Lou Anarumo, who was dismissed on Jan. 6. Anarumo had been defensive coordinator of the Bengals since Taylor became head coach in 2019.

Taylor had to wait until the College Football Playoff championship game concluded before being able to talk with Golden. Notre Dame lost 34-23 to Ohio State on Monday night.

Under Golden in 2024, the Fighting Irish defense finished fifth in the nation in points allowed per game (15.5).

The Bengals finished this past season 25th in total defense (348.3 yards per game) and tied for 26th in points allowed (25.5 per game).

–Field Level Media