Al Golden. Matt Cashore-Imagn Images

Notre Dame loses DC Al Golden to NFL's Bengals

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jan 22, 2025 9:37 PM ET

It was a heartbreaking loss for Notre Dame and one that will sting the Fighting Irish for quite some time.

Losing to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship is bad enough, but losing, 34-23, and looking overmatched in the process ... well, that wasn't good.

Head coach Marcus Freeman is going to have to do a ton of work to rebound this offseason and get his program ready to contend for the CFP again in 2025, but things have gotten even harder in South Bend with the news that defensive coordinator Al Golden is heading to the NFL.

Golden was the Cincinnati Bengals' linebackers coach for two seasons before Freeman brought him in to run the defense for Notre Dame in 2022.

It's now being reported by Tom Pelissero that Golden will be heading back to the Bengals to be their defensive coordinator.

The #Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to be in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign on as DC, sources tell The Insiders.

Golden spent two seasons as Bengals LBs coach before joining the Irish. Now, a reunion. pic.twitter.com/9vE6SAof7U
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 22, 2025

Golden's defense was a huge reason for Notre Dame's success this season. The Fighting Irish were No. 11 in the country in total yards given up per game at 307.4 and they were tied for fourth in the nation in points given up per game at just 15.5.

Freeman will now have to find Golden's replacement, but that's going to be easier said than done.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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