The Cincinnati Bengals banked big this offseason that a few key coaching changes under head coach Zac Taylor will spur a return to the playoffs.

By far the biggest was swapping out defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo for Al Golden.

That change shows up big on a new list from Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame, where Golden ranks as the 43rd most influential person out of 60 candidates going into the season:

“While Schottenheimer has more pressure on him, no new coach is in a tougher spot. Golden is 56 years old, has never been an NFL coordinator, and takes over a unit that has almost no proven talent beyond edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and linebacker Logan Wilson. In 2024, Cincinnati ranked 25th in both points and yardage against. With the same group primarily, Golden is being asked to improve the defense and help the Bengals reach the playoffs for the first time since 2022.”

Frankly, one could argue Golden should be ranked even higher. He needs to figure out struggling former first-rounders like Dax Hill and Myles Murphy, spur something out of premium spots with names like Cam Taylor-Britt and break in rookies like starter Demetrius Knight Jr. at linebacker and first-rounder Shemar Stewart.

Should Golden make it work better than the unit from a year ago while the Bengals offense keeps its expected pace, the team’s gamble should indeed have them back to the playoffs.

For his part, Anarumo sits 54th on the same list as he sits in the coordinator spot with the Indianapolis Colts.