Following the Cincinnati Bengals’ disappointing 2024 season, changes were needed to improve the defense. The scapegoat, unfortunately, was Lou Anarumo, who was quickly grabbed by the Indianapolis Colts. The orange and black also replaced defensive line coach Marion Hobby with Jerry Montgomery, who had stints with the Green Bay Packers and last season with the New England Patriots. These are solid additions on the surface, and the hope is they can right the ship. They have their work cut out for them with the drama behind the scenes, with the Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract disputes still lurking. The cupboard isn’t barren, though, as they have some talented pieces to work with. If Golden’s crew can be average in 2025, that should be more than enough to give Joe Burrow and his playmakers opportunities to put up points to win games.
Al Golden Strives to Prove the Cincinnati Bengals Right
Back to the Future
Golden does have a history with the team as he served as the linebackers coach in 2020 and 2021, which saw the Bengals reach Super Bowl LVI. The Brown and Blackburn family love to work with those they know, so the signing of Golden isn’t a surprise, truth be told. Head coach Zac Taylor was effusive in his praise when Golden was hired, especially as it related to his experience in the college ranks, as he stated, “That’s a resource we’re going to use in all three phases. He’s been at Notre Dame, and Notre Dame plays teams from throughout the country. So he’s seen the best athletes. He’s probably seen them play for two or three different teams as he’s coached against them. That’s the truth of it. So I think there’s probably a lot of prospects we’re going to go through in this draft where, you know, we’ll be getting Al out there and giving his two cents on scheming for a guy or playing against a guy, or plenty of guys that Notre Dame has on the roster. So that’ll be a great resource that we’ll be sure to utilize.”
Notre Dame Success
Golden went to Notre Dame following the 2021 season to lead the Fighting Irish defense under Marcus Freeman. He had early success but saved his best for last in 2024, where he won the Broyles award as the nation’s top assistant coach. His defense ranked 4th in scoring defense (15.5), 4th in pass defense (169.4), 2nd in fumbles recovered (14), 5th in interceptions (19), and 6th in fewest yards per pass attempt (6.0). Notre Dame also ranked 11th in total defense (307.4) and yards allowed per play (4.75). Golden hopes to bring his multiple looks and prosperity to the Bengals this season and beyond.
Early Returns
The early impressions on Golden from players are positive, both in his approach and the results on the field thus far in OTAs and minicamp. It will be interesting to see how the defense progresses throughout training camp and the preseason. The Bengals are putting a ton of faith in Golden helping turn his side of the ball around. If he does, it may propel the men in stripes back to the top of the AFC North.
Main Photo: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images
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