Al Golden's return to the Cincinnati Bengals was made official Thursday, with the franchise announcing he was hired as defensive coordinator. Golden was the Bengals linebackers coach during the 2020 and ’21 seasons before going to Notre Dame,

The Cincinnati Bengals made it official with new defensive coordinator Al Golden on Thursday.

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.

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.

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.

Sources: Minnesota is hiring veteran defensive coordinator Kevin Kane in an on-field coaching role. Kane has been the defensive coordinator NIU, SMU and Purdue. He'll bring more experience to the Minnesota defensive staff.

The Colts made the hiring of defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo official. Here is what head coach Shane Steichen had to say.

The Indianapolis Colts are hiring Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator, according to multiple media reports on Monday.