Sean Desai has a connection to new Bengals DC Al Golden.
It’s been a busy offseason for the Cincinnati Bengals when it comes to the defensive coaching staff.
With Lou Anarumo and several position coaches being let go, that side of the ball has undergone a major overhaul following its disastrous performance in the 2024 offseason, highlighted by the addition of new defensive coordinator Al Golden.
Now, Golden has a new staff member to work with, as the Bengals are reportedly hiring Sean Desai as a senior defensive assistant, according to Tom Pelissero. Desai previously worked for the Los Angeles Rams in a similar role.
Desai is a former NFL defensive coordinator who actually played for Golden at Temple. He then worked under Golden as a grad assistant and was promoted to outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator in 2010.
When Golden was hired as the Maimi Hurricanes head coach in 2011, Desai was hired as the program’s assistant director of football operations.
After that, Golden would have coaching stints with Boston College (running backs coach and special teams coordinator), the Chicago Bears (defensive quality control coach, then safeties coach and later defensive coordinator), the Seattle Seahawks (associate head coach and defensive assistant), the Philadelphia Eagles (defensive coordinator), and finally, the Rams this past season.
In total, Desai has two years of experience as a defensive coordinator, as his stints with the Bears and Eagles lasted one season each. But it’s clear he has extensive work coaching other positions, namely the linebackers and safeties, two spots that need a big jump in performance for the Bengals in 2025.
The #Bengals are hiring Sean Desai as senior defensive assistant, per source.
Desai — the former #Bears and #Eagles DC — played a key role with the #Rams’ game planning last year. Now headed to Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/kadZo9lGZa
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 24, 2025
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