Watch: Analyst Praises Al Golden's Coaching Traits as he Takes Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Coordinator Position

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.

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.

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

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

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden that will have him return to the "Who Dey" nation.

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

The Cincinnati Bengals hired Notre Dame's Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced 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.”

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

Yes, it’s the same role that he currently holds with the Irish, but clearly at the highest level. When asked about potentially making the move, Golden was very coy about what his intentions were, saying “at the end of the day, this is not the time or the place,” as reported by On3’s Pete Nakos.