"Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as a top candidate to be the Bengals new DC," Rapoport wrote on X. "Coach Zac Taylor has been waiting for the National Championship to end before moving forward. Now that it has, he can speak with Golden & work thru it."

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as a top candidate for the Bengals’ defensive coordinator

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.

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Well, shortly after the Irish lost to Ohio State, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Golden is a “top candidate” for the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator position, as they waited out for Notre Dame season to end.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost Monday, but Al Golden is favored to be the Bengals' defensive coordinator this week.

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly finalizing a deal to make Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden their next DC.

The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame’s Al Golden to fill their vacant defensive coordinator job, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday.