Report: 49ers Defensive Assistant James Bettcher to Become Bengals Linebackers Coach

The Bengals are hiring James Bettcher to be their new linebackers coach according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. 

The 42-year-old was a senior defensive assistant for the 49ers last season. Before that, Bettcher served as a defensive coordinator for the Giants (2018-19) and the Cardinals (2015-17). 

He was the outside linebackers coach in Arizona for two seasons (2013-14).

Bettcher replaces Al Golden, who was named defensive coordinator at Notre Dame. The Bengals hope the veteran coach can continue to develop Germaine Pratt, Logan Wilson, Akeem Davis-Gaither and the rest of the Bengals' young linebackers.