Losing a coach like Golden is certainly a blow, and replacing him will be incredibly challenging. The good news for Freeman is that the ideal fit for that replacement works just a few doors down from him. That would be secondary coach Mike Mickens, who should ultimately be the replacement for Golden.

The Cincinnati Bengals are hiring Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden as their defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. Golden will replace Lou Anarumo, whom the Bengals fired at the conclusion of their season.

It was clear from the begining that Taylor wanted to hire Golden for the position. Golden spent the last two seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator after serving as the Bengals' linebackers coach from 2020-21.