A native of Colts Neck, N.J., Golden played tight end at Penn State from 1988-91, then spent the 1992 season with the New England Patriots (no games played). He earned a bachelor’s degree in pre-law from Penn State in 1991, and a master’s degree in sports psychology from Virginia in 1996.

The next Bengals defensive coordinator has to be on board with adding a player like Hill, despite having Jessie Bates and Vonn Bell on the roster. He has to have a plan in place for that top pick and make sure that the player gets on the field to develop.

As the Longhorns seek their first national title during their inaugural season in their new conference, one wide receiver that's lighting up the statsheet early is Texas receiver Matthew Golden.

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) hauls in a 27-yard pass as Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom (8) defends during the second half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game ...

Al Golden knows that Notre Dame needs to be at its best defensively on Monday to take down Ohio State's aerial threat.

That’s a big change from what Colts fans saw under former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who was let go as his contract expired. Bradley didn’t blitz often, relying instead on his base defense and familiar formations each week.

Reports emerged that Golden, who spent the last three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, was the frontrunner to replace former coordinator Lou Anarumo. Golden then interviewed the Bengals after Notre Dame lost the CFP National Championship Game earlier this week and subsequently informed the program he was departing.

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the hiring of Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday. Golden, 55, spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame’s 2024 season was one for the record books. The Fighting Irish reached the 12-team College Football Playoff, making it all the way to the National Championship game against Ohio State. However, they ultimately lost to the talented Buckeyes 34-23 in one of the more exciting title games in years.

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

Notre Dame has lost a key part of its national championship run with defensive coordinator Al Golden leaving to take the same role for the Cincinnati Bengals. The move was expected to happen, but it has now become official.