Before he was let go, Bengals players noted that Lou Anarumo’s simplifying things fueled some of the late-season success for the unit. Now, players like Logan Wilson are looking forward to Golden keeping things simple, too.

Al Golden agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator.

CINCINNATI — Bengals veteran linebacker Logan Wilson is excited about his old position coach taking over as Cincinnati's defensive coordinator.

New Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden arrives with some key strengths of his own. His predecessor, Lou Anarumo, had an almost uncanny ability to throw out a by-the-opponent amoeba defense and give quarterbacks as Patrick Mahomes fits.

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.

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.

The Cincinnati Bengals made it official with new defensive coordinator Al Golden on Thursday. "Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excit

The Cincinnati Bengals have hired Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden as the next defensive coordinator of the franchise, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Wednesday. Golden currently serves as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator after two years on head coach Zac Taylor’s staff from 2020-21.

While there will be some similarities to Lou Anarumo’s playbook, such as the base nickel 4-2, he told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com that other parts of the playbook will be ripped up and redone.

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.

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