A Penn State grad who some see as a candidate for his alma mater’s vacant defensive coordinator position is reportedly a finalist— and perhaps the favorite— for an NFL job.
Per a report by Drae Harris of Sports Illustrated, Al Golden is one of two finalists for the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator position.
The other, per Harris, is Patrick Graham, who most recently was the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive coordinator.
Golden’s current position is in college football, where he’s the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.
Notre Dame, as Penn State fans don’t want to think about, is the team that ended PSU’s season in the Orange Bowl/College Football Playoff semifinal Jan. 9.
Since then, Penn State DC Tom Allen took the same position at Clemson, and naturally, the letterman Golden was one of the first names mentioned.
But it looks like Golden might be taking another job.
GOLDEN’S CANDIDACY
Here’s what Harris wrote about Golden’s candidacy.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“The Notre Dame defensive coordinator is who I’d consider the favorite for the job at this juncture.”
His unit is a good reason why they are playing for the National Championship. The former Penn State tight end also played for the New England Patriots during his time as a player.
Golden was on Zac Taylor’s staff in 2020 and 2021, serving as the Bengals linebackers coach before taking the job at Notre Dame.
This year, he has coached circles around most of their opponents en route to being a finalist for the Broyles Award, which goes to the best assistant coach in the nation.
Notre Dame’s defense ended the regular season first in team passing efficiency defense, first in defensive touchdowns, third in scoring defense, fourth in passing yards allowed, fourth in interceptions, and10th in total defense.
The last words, which Harris didn’t say were based on information from sources, were:
“I believe Golden will be the Bengals’ next defensive coordinator.”
Golden has not only worked with the NFL but has also worked with the Bengals and their coach, Zac Taylor. He was Cincy’s LB coach from 2020-21.
