The Cincinnati Bengals are continuing to address their weaknesses ahead of the upcoming season, with one of the biggest areas of concern being their defense. According to a report, this could be significantly improved by bringing in a new defensive coordinator who recently lost in the CFP National Championship.
According to Mike Garofolo, the Bengals might make a push to hire Al Golden from Notre Dame for the defensive coordinator position. Sources have indicated that Gordon is the top candidate on their list, and head coach Zac Taylor is reportedly ready to interview him.
The Bengals finished the 2024 season with a winning record of 9-8, but due to defensive struggles, the team ended up in third place in the divisionâslightly better than the previous season, when they finished last, with Lou Anarumo, the defensive coordinator who recently landed a new job.
Al Goldenn lost with Notre Dame in the National Championship game, but he helped the team establish a solid defensive identity throughout much of the season. He also played a key role in the Fighting Irishâs 14-1 record for the year.
Fighting Irish Defense Solidified by Al Golden
Notre Dame allowed an average of 37 points per game, ranking as the 6th-best defensive line, with players like LB Jack Kiser, who recorded 51 tackles and 2.0 sacks, putting him among the top defensive players. Another standout on defense was Xavier Watts, who grabbed 6 interceptions. Al Goldenâs work as the defensive coordinator was nothing short of solid throughout the season.
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Bengals Need Defensive Fixes
While the Bengalsâ offense was lethal with Joe Burrow playing at his best, the defense struggled, allowing 25.5 points per game and unable to protect the lead that Burrow and the offense had put up on the scoreboard. Two players on defense managed to record more than 100 tacklesâPratt with 143 and Wilson with 104.
