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.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is reportedly leaving Notre Dame after three seasons. According to numerous reports on Wednesday, Golden is expected to return to the Cincinnati Bengals as the team’s defensive coordinator.

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.

The Cincinnati Bengals seem like a team with eyes for Al Golden as the next defensive coordinator, at least once he wraps up his season with Notre Dame on Monday night in the title game. Golden, though, has previously shot down the idea of joining the Bengals due to his focus on Notre Dame’s College Football playoff push.

So close, yet so far. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish completed their greatest season in my lifetime. While they still have not won a national title since the Ron

The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly found their next defensive coordinator – and he has prior experience under head coach Zac Taylor.