Golden focused on Notre Dame’s title game clash with Ohio State.
The Cincinnati Bengals are in search of a new defensive coordinator, and that person could be Alfred James Golden Jr., who is currently the defensive coordinator for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Fighting Irish are in the hunt for a title themselves as they will take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game on Monday evening in Atlanta.
Golden has spent many seasons in the NFL and was the Bengals linebackers coach from 2020-2021. He was with the Detroit Lions prior to that in a few different roles.
Golden was the MAC Coach of the Year with Temple in 2009, so he has experience leading organizations as well. Nonetheless, when asked about his interest in the Bengals job, he basically said that’s not what is on his mind right now, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.
Notre Dame’s Al Golden was asked Saturday about his interest in the Bengals DC job.
“At the end of the day, this is not the time or the place. This is about the kids. There’s always time to reflect on all of that after the season.”
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— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) January 18, 2025
That’s the best answer he could give, though it’s not exactly a denial of interest in the Bengals.
The Bengals were one of the worst teams in the NFL on that side of the ball and had immense issues both in coverage and when rushing the passer. It was a terrible season in most aspects for the Cincinnati defense.
The organization has retained head coach Zac Taylor for now and released many other coaches, including Lou Anarumo, who was the captain of the defense. Golden will be among numerous candidates for the job.
