Zac Taylor: We are excited to welcome Al Golden back as defensive coordinator

The Bengals made it official with their new defensive coordinator.

Cincinnati announced that the club has hired Al Golden for the role.

“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” head coach Zac Taylor said in a statement issued by the team. “He understands football at all levels and has had great success as a coordinator, position coach and head coach. Al has a great football mentality and will bring an intelligent, physical and aggressive style to our defence.

Reports emerged that Golden, who spent the past three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, was the front-runner to replace former coordinator Lou Anarumo. Golden then interviewed with the Bengals after Notre Dame lost the CFP National Championship game earlier this week and subsequently informed the program of his departure.

Golden was previously the Bengals’ linebackers coach under Taylor from 2020-2021.