CINCINNATI — The Bengals are hiring Al Golden to be their next defensive coordinator.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network was the first to report the news.

Golden, 55, has served as the Notre Dame defensive coordinator for the past three seasons, helping the Fighting Irish make the National Championship Game. Notre Dame lost to Ohio State 34-23, but Golden’s defense is a big reason why they beat Georgia, Penn State and Indiana to reach the title game.

Golden will be tasked with helping reshape and revamp a Bengals defense that gave up the eighth-most yards (5,921) and the seventh-most points (434) last season.

Golden helped Cincinnati make it to Super Bowl LVI in 2021. He was the Bengals’ linebackers coach for two seasons under Zac Taylor (2020-21) and helped Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson develop into quality NFL starters.

We also know who the Bengals are hiring to be their defensive line coach. For details, go here.

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