Notre Dame football took a key coaching staff loss after losing to Ohio State in the CFP title game last Monday.

Al Golden agreed to return to the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is leaving the Fighting Irish to become the Cincinnati Bengals' next defensive coordinator, the team announced on Saturday

Cincinnati is finalizing a deal to hire Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to run its defense. Golden helped lead the Fighting Irish to Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship game where they lost to Ohio State. He is expected to officially sign with the team on Thursday.

College Football Playoff finale will be held at Allegiant Stadium. the home of the Las Vegas Raiders, event organizers announced Friday.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to join the Bengals in the same role, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.

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.

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Notre Dame (14-2) led the nation with 33 takeaways, scored six defensive touchdowns and led all Power Four teams in turnover margin (plus-18).

CINCINNATI — A to Z Sports NFL analyst Ryan Roberts loves what Al Golden could bring to the Bengals defense this coming season. Roberts noted his even-keel approach and smart consistency in an interview with ESPN 1530's Mo Egger.

Madison Keys used wicked wrist work to singe the lines on Rod Laver Arena's cornflower blue court, transforming Aryna Sabalenka into a frantic foe to win Saturday's 2025 Australian Open women's singles final.