Following the departure of defensive coordinator Al Golden for the Cincinnati Bengals, Notre Dame appears to be honing in on a potential new hire: former Rutgers coach Chris Ash. Pete Sampson of The Athletic reports that Ash has “emerged as a strong candidate” to be the next defensive coordinator in South Bend.

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Jim Knowles celebrates after winning against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Al Golden accomplished a ton in three years at Notre Dame but now the Irish must replace him as he's on his way back to the NFL. Who might they find to do that

The Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator job has been open for more than two weeks now, but there hasn't been much movement on a possible hiring and now we know why: The team was waiting for Notre Dame to finish its season.

The news that Notre Dame football defensive coordinator Al Golden was taking the Cincinnati Bengals DC position left the Irish with a fairly sizable hole.

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

A Penn State letterman and highly-coveted assistant coach is returning to the NFL. Al Golden, Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, is leaving to take the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals, according to multiple reports on Wednesday.

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.