Al Golden is keeping Burks in Cincinnati.
The Cincinnati Bengals officially have their new defensive coordinator in former Notre Dame DC Al Golden, and they’re expected to retain the services of current cornerbacks coach Charles Burks, according to James Rapien.
The Bengals’ defense was a disaster in 2024 and was the major contributor to the fact the team couldn’t sneak into the NFL Playoffs with an MVP-caliber season from Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase’s Triple Crown.
Due to multiple injuries in the secondary, including to Dax Hill and DJ Turner, as well as Cam Taylor-Britt’s regression, the defense couldn’t seem to keep opposing offenses off the field or out of the end zone.
The Bengals and Golden obviously believe in Burks, who had offers to coach elsewhere should he be let go but has reportedly opted to stay. Hopefully, he and Golden can coach CTB, Turner, Hill, and the other corners on the team right back into playoff shape.
2025 will be Burks’ seventh season in the NFL and fourth with the Bengals.
Stay tuned as more assistant coaching hires are made!