Notre Dame has lost a key part of its national championship run with defensive coordinator Al Golden leaving to take the same role for the Cincinnati Bengals. The move was expected to happen, but it has now become official.

Cincinnati is finalizing a deal to hire Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to run its defense. Golden helped lead the Fighting Irish to Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship game where they lost to Ohio State. He is expected to officially sign with the team on Thursday.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has coached his last game with the Fighting Irish on Monday night. According to multiple reports, the Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal with Golden to make him their next defensive coordinator.