With Notre Dame coming up just short of winning a national title, it gives the Cincinnati Bengals the go-ahead to be in hot pursuit of the Fighting Irish's defensive coordinator Al Golden. His return to Cincinnati may be what turns the Bengals around.

The Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator job has been open for more than two weeks now, but there hasn't been much movement on a possible hiring and now we know why: The team was waiting for Notre Dame to finish its season.

Despite suffering significant injuries on the defensive line throughout the season and postseason, and losing expected first-round pick, cornerback Benjamin Morrison to a season-ending hip injury against Stanford, Golden's defense has been one of the best units in the country in 2024.

The Bengals watched the National Championship game closely for this reason: Notre Dame DC Al Golden, who they're targeting.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is rumored to be on the NFL’s radar. Here's the potential impact on the Irish.

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly looking to hire Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden for the same job.

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly targeting one of their former coaches to fill their vacant defensive coordinator position.

ATLANTA -- Al Golden orchestrated a Notre Dame defense that ranked top 10 nationally across myriad categories and spurred the Fighting Irish's run to Monday night's College Football Playoff Championship.

Minutes after defeating the University of Notre Dame, winning their second national championship in eleven seasons, coach Ryan Day, Will Howard, Cody Simon and others

A Cincinnati Bengals homecoming could be in the works for Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Albert Breer of The MMQB reported Tuesday that the

Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drayk Bowen (34) knocks the ball away from Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) for a fumble in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.