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

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.

Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t done much to hide their intentions when it comes to the team’s next defensive corodsintoer. The transparent, narrow search to fill the position has always obviously centered on Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Those plans took another step on Monday night.

The Cincinnati Bengals plan to hire a new defensive coordinator with Al Golden this week, yet the process has come under fire. While Zac Taylor and the Bengals’ familiarity with Golden and vice versa is a good thing and might be the right fit right now, it’s hard to blame those onlookers who feel that the process itself was an issue.

The Cincinnati Bengals made it official with new defensive coordinator Al Golden on Thursday. "Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excit

Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals will have a familiar face as their next defensive coordinator. Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator,