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The Cincinnati Bengals made the hire of Al Golden as the team’s new defensive coordinator official on Thursday afternoon.
Head coach Zac Taylor fired Lou Anarumo immediately after the season and held a limited search in hiring his replacement. It was clear from the begining that Taylor wanted to hire Golden for the position.
Golden spent the last two seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator after serving as the Bengals’ linebackers coach from 2020-21.
Taylor made his first public statement on the decision to hire Golden in a press release announcing the hire.
Al Golden was the Bengals linebackers coach during the team’s Super Bowl run. He’s pictured here at SoFi Stadium.
“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” said Taylor. “He understands football at every level and has had great success as a coordinator, position coach and head coach. Al has a great football mind and will bring a smart, physical, aggressive approach to our defense.”
The Bengals had to wait for Notre Dame to finish the season before hiring Golden.
Under Golden in 2024, Notre Dame’s defense ranked second in the nation in points allowed (14.3 per game), fifth in interceptions (19) and ninth in total yards allowed (298.3 per game). The unit held 12 opponents to 17 or fewer points, helping the Fighting Irish to a 14-2 overall record and an appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship where they lost to Ohio State on Monday night in Atlanta.
Golden will take over a defensive unit in Cincinnati that ranked No. 25 in points allowed per game (25.5) and yards allowed per game.
Prior to making his jump to the NFL, Golden spent his entire coaching career at the college level. Golden was a head coach at Temple University (2006-10) and the University of Miami…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bengals-officially-hire-al-golden-193033231.html
Author : Cincinnati.com | The Enquirer
Publish date : 2025-01-23 19:30:00
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