The Fighting Irish could make an internal hire when it comes to replacing their departed defensive coordinator

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.

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

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.

A 56-yard catch to Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith clinched the national championship. What Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden said about the play

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

Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drayk Bowen (34) knocks the ball away from Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) for a fumble in the fourth quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

Notre Dame and defensive coordinator Al Golden have a stiff test in front of them on Monday in the national championship game against Ohio State.

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,

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