The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost Monday, but Al Golden is favored to be the Bengals' defensive coordinator this week.

The Cincinnati Bengals appear to have the man they'll entrust with fixing their broken defense.

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. More: 3 Wolverines, 3 ex-Spartans make ESPN list of top 100 college football players from '24-25

Following the now-concluded regime of former Bengals coordinator Lou Anarumo, Golden returns to Cincinnati a rejuvenated coach following a highly successful period as defensive coordinator of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Here are five things to know about Golden, his past influences and his latest work in the game.

Wednesday afternoon, the Cincinnati Bengals hired former Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden to the same role. Golden returns to Cincinnati, where he was the linebackers coach in 2021.

A 56-yard catch to Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith clinched the national championship. What Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden said about the play

"Notre Dame DC Al Golden is expected to become the Cincinnati Bengals next defensive coordinator. He’s informed Notre Dame officials of his decision," Thamel reported. Given the ties to Cincinnati with him formerly being on the staff and the prominent success with Notre Dame -- Golden's return to the Bengals mad plenty of sense.

Fresh off its first top two finish in the polls since 1993, Notre Dame will be looking for a new defensive coordinator.

The Cincinnati Bengals made the hire of Al Golden as the team's new defensive coordinator official on Thursday afternoon. Head coach Zac Taylor fired Lou Anarumo immediately after the season and held a limited search in hiring his replacement. It was clear from the begining that Taylor wanted to hire Golden for the position.

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.

Scott Peters is Cincinnati Bengals New Offensive Line CoachCINCINNATI — The Bengals officially announced the hiring of defensive coordinator Al Golden on Thursday afternoon. Golden has served as the Notre Dame defensive coordinator for the past three seasons,