The Cincinnati Bengals made it official with new defensive coordinator Al Golden on Thursday.
“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 the announcement. “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.”
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Golden was the predictable end result of a brief search for Lou Anarumo’s replacement by Zac Taylor. His past work as a linebackers coach in Cincinnati for the 2020 and 2021 seasons made him an obvious favorite, with Notre Dame’s trip to the national title game the only thing holding up the process.
After droves of issues developing younger players over the last few seasons, the Bengals hope Golden is the answer while the team sits in win-now mode.
