Jan. 23 (UPI) — In a move that has left fans of Notre Dame reeling, one of the program’s most influential figures has decided to step away from the Fighting Irish. The announcement, made by an NFL franchise on Thursday, marks a significant shift in the coaching landscape and raises questions about the future direction of both teams involved.
Known for orchestrating one of the most dominant defenses in college football, this coach played a pivotal role in Notre Dame’s success in the 2024-25 season. The Fighting Irish ranked second nationally in scoring defense and pass defense, surrendering a mere 14.27 points and 165.3 passing yards per game. The defense was a takeaway machine, leading the country with 32 forced turnovers and six defensive touchdowns, a performance that helped solidify the team as a national powerhouse.
As the mastermind behind these achievements, the coach’s departure has left a noticeable void in South Bend. While fans are accustomed to seeing talent move on to the professional ranks, this particular exit has sparked widespread speculation and intrigue.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised the move in a statement, describing the hire as a perfect fit for the NFL team. “This coach is highly regarded in football circles and brings a wealth of experience from all levels of the game,” Taylor said. “His expertise as a coordinator, position coach, and head coach will help us implement a smart, physical, and aggressive approach on defense.”
Though Notre Dame faithful remain shocked, the new NFL opportunity offers a fresh challenge for a seasoned veteran. Only in the penultimate moments of the news did it become clear: the coach in question is none other than Al Golden, now the new defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Golden, 55, brings with him decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, and Bengals fans are optimistic about what his leadership will bring to their defense. Meanwhile, Notre Dame looks ahead to what promises to be a challenging rebuilding process in the wake of his departure.
Leave a Reply