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

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.

Wednesday afternoon, the Cincinnati Bengals hired former Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden to the same role. Golden returns to Cincinnati, where he was the linebackers coach in 2021.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost Monday, but Al Golden is favored to be the Bengals' defensive coordinator this week.

"Notre Dame DC Al Golden is expected to become the Cincinnati Bengals next defensive coordinator. He’s informed Notre Dame officials of his decision," Thamel reported. Given the ties to Cincinnati with him formerly being on the staff and the prominent success with Notre Dame -- Golden's return to the Bengals mad plenty of sense.

They’re not old, but they’ve been around the block many times. Multiple different blocks, really, college and pro. They’ve each had moments of great triumph as head coaches, and they’ve each been fired.

Fresh off its first top two finish in the polls since 1993, Notre Dame will be looking for a new defensive coordinator.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden could be on the move after the loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game Monday night. Golden is considered a "top candidate" for the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator position,

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 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 agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator.