The Bengals Have Hired a New Defensive Coordinator

The Cincinnati Bengals have made their hire at defensive coordinator. Sources confirm that Al Golden will fill the position. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network has also confirmed. Golden, the former Bengals linebacker coach, has led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to becoming the 2nd best defense in college football this season. They fell short of winning a national championship to the Ohio State Buckeyes but remained defensively stout all season.

Al Golden was with the Bengals from 2020-2021, helping shape the careers of linebackers Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt. He was a huge part of the Super Bowl run in 2021. Zac Taylor stated at the season-ending press conference exactly what he was looking for. A coordinator who understands AFC North football’s physicality and importance. Al Golden being a former Bengals assistant fits that mold.

Who is Al Golden and how does he help?

Al Golden plays a 4-2-5 scheme and runs a man-heavy defense. He loves to play tight coverage and trusts his guys to win each rep. He wants his defensive line to take the pressure off the secondary and win on the line of scrimmage.

Expect the Bengals to get started right away at fixing this defense. Extending Trey Hendrickson needs to be the top priority on that side of the ball. They’ll likely let go of linebacker Germaine Pratt and edge rusher Sam Hubbard. Improvements in both spots are a must to get the defense back on track. The pass rush needs to get better also, as the Bengals only registered 210 pressures, 18th in the league. Trey Hendrickson recorded 92 of those pressures and finding him a partner would do wonders.

Golden has been my top candidate since November, and I’m excited to see what he brings to the team. It was no secret that the Bengals needed to hire a game-changer at defensive coordinator, and Al Golden is just that. The 2025 offseason is off to a great start, hopefully, they keep it rolling.