The Fighting Irish could make an internal hire when it comes to replacing their departed defensive coordinator

Following the now-concluded regime of former Bengals coordinator Lou Anarumo, Golden returns to Cincinnati a rejuvenated coach following a highly successful period as defensive coordinator of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Here are five things to know about Golden, his past influences and his latest work in the game.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to become the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a Wednesday evening report from Pete Thamel of ESPN. He has informed the officials at Notre Dame of his decision.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden is on the heels of an NFL job after the Fighting Irish lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday.

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

Wednesday afternoon, the Cincinnati Bengals hired former Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden to the same role. Golden returns to Cincinnati, where he was the linebackers coach in 2021.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost Monday, but Al Golden is favored to be the Bengals' defensive coordinator this week.

"Notre Dame DC Al Golden is expected to become the Cincinnati Bengals next defensive coordinator. He’s informed Notre Dame officials of his decision," Thamel reported. Given the ties to Cincinnati with him formerly being on the staff and the prominent success with Notre Dame -- Golden's return to the Bengals mad plenty of sense.

A 56-yard catch to Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith clinched the national championship. What Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden said about the play

Fresh off its first top two finish in the polls since 1993, Notre Dame will be looking for a new defensive coordinator.

Notre Dame and defensive coordinator Al Golden have a stiff test in front of them on Monday in the national championship game against Ohio State.

Zac Taylor Appeal of Bengals Coach OpeningsCINCINNATI — Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as the favorite for the Bengals defensive coordinator job. Golden and the Fighting Irish are preparing to go up against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Monday night's National Championship Game.