After firing Lou Anarumo following the season, it was clear from the start that Taylor was targeting Golden for the job. Taylor reportedly interviewed Patrick Graham and DeMarcus Covington for the job but ultimately decided to select Golden for the job.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Wednesday afternoon that Golden, the defensive coordinator for Notre Dame this season, has informed the school of his decision to join the Bengals.

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 ahead of a critical offseason for the Bengals.