In a significant shift within college football, Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, Al Golden, is departing to join the Cincinnati Bengals as their new defensive coordinator.
This move comes on the heels of Notre Dame’s recent national championship loss to Ohio State.
Golden’s tenure at Notre Dame, which began in 2022, was marked by a remarkable transformation of the team’s defense. Under his leadership, the Fighting Irish defense evolved into one of the nation’s most formidable units. In the 2024 season, Notre Dame’s defense allowed an average of just 15.5 points per game, ranking them among the top defenses nationally. The team also excelled in pass-efficiency defense and forced turnovers, showcasing Golden’s strategic prowess.
Golden’s coaching journey is extensive and varied. Before his stint at Notre Dame, he served as the linebackers coach for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2020 to 2021. His prior experience includes head coaching positions at Temple University and the University of Miami, as well as assistant coaching roles at Virginia, Boston College, and Penn State.
The Bengals’ decision to hire Golden is part of a broader effort to revitalize their coaching staff following a season where the team finished with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the NFL playoffs. The Bengals’ defense faced challenges throughout the season, prompting the organization to seek experienced leadership to enhance their defensive performance.
Golden’s departure leaves a significant vacancy at Notre Dame. Head coach Marcus Freeman now faces the critical task of selecting a successor who can maintain and build upon the defensive standards established during Golden’s tenure. Among the potential candidates is Mike Mickens, Notre Dame’s current defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Mickens has been instrumental in developing the Irish secondary into a formidable unit, with opponents completing just 51% of their passes against them since 2023. His leadership has also contributed to Notre Dame achieving one of the nation’s best turnover ratios.
The decision on a new defensive coordinator is crucial for Notre Dame, balancing the potential benefits of internal promotion against the need for experienced leadership. With Freeman’s growing confidence as a head coach, this hiring could significantly influence the program’s future success.
As the Fighting Irish embark on this search, the football community keenly watches to see who will step into this pivotal role. The new defensive coordinator will inherit a unit that has been a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s recent success and will be expected to uphold the high standards set during Golden’s tenure.
In conclusion, Al Golden’s move to the Cincinnati Bengals marks a significant transition for both organizations. While the Bengals aim to bolster their defense with Golden’s expertise, Notre Dame faces the challenge of finding a successor capable of sustaining and advancing the defensive excellence that has become synonymous with the Fighting Irish in recent years.
