The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing terms with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to bring him aboard in the same position on head coach

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.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to join the Bengals in the same role, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.

The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal to make Notre Dame's Al Golden their new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Golden will arrive at the Bengals' facility Thursday to sign his deal.

Notre Dame (14-2) led the nation with 33 takeaways, scored six defensive touchdowns and led all Power Four teams in turnover margin (plus-18).

Losing to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship is bad enough, but losing, 34-23, and looking overmatched in the process ... well, that wasn't good.

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

Al Golden, the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame, is set to join the Cincinnati Bengals as their new defensive coordinator. This move comes after Lou Anarumo, the previous defen

This is quite the blow for Notre Dame, considering its defense finished the season as the No. 9 unit in terms of total defense. The unit also ranked No. 2 in passing yards allowed, No. 2 in scoring defense and No. 1 in turnovers gained.

Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. More: 3 Wolverines, 3 ex-Spartans make ESPN list of top 100 college football players from '24-25

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman won a major award after leading the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game