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 football’s outstanding defensive coordinator has earned a promotion to coach in the professional ranks. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the Cincinnati Bengals are set to hire Al Golden for the same position.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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).

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

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden were linked to the NFL ahead of their appearance in the College Football Playoff national championship.

O ver the last two seasons the Notre Dame defense has been one of the nation's best units, and the coordinator of that unit is now off to the NFL. Defensive coordinator Al Golden