Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to become the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a Wednesday evening report from Pete Thamel of ESPN. He has informed the officials at Notre Dame of his decision.

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.

Notre Dame and defensive coordinator Al Golden have a stiff test in front of them on Monday in the national championship game against Ohio State.

"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 will be closely watching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeyes in the national championship for one key reason. This past season, the Bengals had a special year, though not a good year. Quarterback Joe Burrow played at an MVP level while Ja'Marr Chase was the NFL 's leading receiver.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden could be on the move after the loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game Monday night. Golden is considered a "top candidate" for the Cincinnati Bengals' defensive coordinator position,

It wasn’t how Notre Dame wanted to end its season, as they fell to Ohio State 34-23 in the College Football Playoff Championship game.

After days of reports and speculation following Notre Dame’s national championship loss to Ohio State, the Cincinnati Bengals announced on Thursday afternoon that Golden has been hired as the team’s next defensive coordinator.

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

Al Golden may very well be the cure to what has been ailing the Cincinnati Bengals defensively. In the wake of him leaving Zac Taylor's staff to become Marcus F