The Cincinnati Bengals did more than watch Ohio State knock off Notre Dame 34-23 for the 2025 National Championship. Cincy was looking at its top target at defensive coordinator Al Golden. The Fighting Irish DC has emerged “as the top candidate” for the Bengals’ opening,

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden that will have him return to the "Who Dey" nation.

The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal to make Notre Dame's Al Golden their new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Golden will arrive at the Bengals' facility Thursday to sign his deal.

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

According to Albert Breer, the Bengals are waiting for the dust to settle on Notre Dame’s season and plan on bringing in Notre Dame DC Al Golden for an interview for their defensive coordinator job sometime over the next 48 hours.

Well, shortly after the Irish lost to Ohio State, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Golden is a “top candidate” for the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator position, as they waited out for Notre Dame season to end.

Minutes after the loss, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport broke news regarding Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. "Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as a top candidate to be the Bengals new DC, per me and Mike Garafolo," Rapoport ...

Anyway, Golden has been the DC at Notre Dame since 2022, and had signed a contract extension before the 2024 season. The Irish produced some pretty good defenses under Golden, including this season, when they allowed the fourth-fewest points per game (15.5) in all college football.

"Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as a top candidate to be the Bengals new DC," Rapoport wrote on X. "Coach Zac Taylor has been waiting for the National Championship to end before moving forward. Now that it has, he can speak with Golden & work thru it."

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost Monday, but Al Golden is favored to be the Bengals' defensive coordinator this week.

Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t done much to hide their intentions when it comes to the team’s next defensive corodsintoer. The transparent, narrow search to fill the position has always obviously centered on Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Those plans took another step on Monday night.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as a top candidate for the Bengals’ defensive coordinator