The Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator post is no longer vacant. Word broke Wednesday that the Bengals would announce the hire of Al Golden as defensive coordinator. Golden's hire follows the Monday announcement of additional coaching hires on the offensive side of the ball.

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 is headed back to Cincinnati. After three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, multiple reports indicate Golden is finalizing a deal to return to the Bengals as defensive coordinator. Pete Thamel of ESPN noted Golden has informed Notre Dame officials of his decision.

Al Golden accomplished a ton in three years at Notre Dame but now the Irish must replace him as he's on his way back to the NFL. Who might they find to do that

A Penn State letterman and highly-coveted assistant coach is returning to the NFL. Al Golden, Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, is leaving to take the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

Notre Dame has lost a key part of its national championship run with defensive coordinator Al Golden leaving to take the same role for the Cincinnati Bengals. The move was expected to happen, but it has now become official.

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.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the news: “The #Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to be in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign on as DC, sources tell The Insiders.”

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 hiring former position coach Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, NFL Network and ESPN reported Wednesday.

The Cincinnati Bengals are hiring Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden as their defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. Golden will replace Lou Anarumo, whom the Bengals fired at the conclusion of their season. The Colts hired Anarumo as their defensive coordinator on Monday.