Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden is on the heels of an NFL job after the Fighting Irish lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday.

The 55-year-old had been in place at Notre Dame since 2022, serving as the program’s defensive coordinator for each of the past three years.

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.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman isn't expected to go to the NFL, but we can't say the same thing for his defensive coordinator. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Notre Dame's Al Golden has emerged as the "top candidate" to become the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati

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

The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal to make Notre Dame's Al Golden their new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Golden will arrive at the Bengals' facility Thursday to sign his deal.

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

College-to-NFL head coaching jumps have been a rare occurrence in recent seasons. Fourty-three head coaches were hired between the 2019 and 2024 offseasons, and just four of them came directly from the college ranks: Kliff Kingsbury (Arizona Cardinals,

Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden did not confirm or deny his interest in the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator position, which is currently open. During media availability for his side’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game appearance on Saturday,

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

With the college football season over, Al Golden can return to the pro coaching ranks. Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator appears to have his next NFL gig lined up.