Ex-Miami Head Coach Al Golden Returning to Bengals as Defensive Coordinator
Al Golden, the former head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes, is set to return to the NFL as the Cincinnati Bengals’ new defensive coordinator. Golden, who has spent the last several years working as a defensive assistant in the NFL and at the collegiate level, is bringing his wealth of coaching experience to a Bengals team that is hungry for another deep playoff run. His return to Cincinnati is a move that has excited many fans and analysts alike, as the Bengals look to bolster their defense ahead of the 2025 season.
Golden’s previous stint with the Bengals dates back to 2020, when he served as a defensive assistant coach. However, his reputation and career trajectory have been built on a long history of coaching success, both in college and the NFL. As the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes from 2011 to 2015, Golden was tasked with restoring Miami to national prominence. While his tenure in Miami had its ups and downs, he was ultimately known for his disciplined approach to building strong, competitive teams. Under Golden, the Hurricanes showed flashes of promise, and his leadership helped develop several NFL-caliber players.
After his time at Miami, Golden transitioned back to the NFL, joining the Detroit Lions and later the Cincinnati Bengals. During this period, he worked under Bengals head coach Zac Taylor and developed a reputation as a detail-oriented and strategic defensive mind. The Bengals, who have built a strong identity on defense in recent years, have been seeking a leader who can take their defense to the next level, especially after a mixed showing in the postseason.
Golden’s return to the Bengals as defensive coordinator is seen as a significant move, as the team has a talented defensive roster that includes players like Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, and Jessie Bates. These players have the potential to be game-changers, but there’s a strong belief that they could reach their full potential under the leadership of a coach like Golden. Golden’s coaching philosophy is centered on building a defense that is aggressive, opportunistic, and well-organized, and this is precisely the type of mindset the Bengals need to take their defense to the next level.
One of Golden’s most notable attributes is his ability to develop defensive talent. At Miami, he worked with a host of future NFL players, and his coaching methods helped them transition to the professional level. He is known for his attention to detail in teaching fundamentals and creating a culture of accountability and discipline. These qualities make him an ideal fit for a Bengals defense that is looking to become more consistent and dominant, particularly in big moments during the postseason.
Moreover, Golden’s return to Cincinnati is also significant because of his previous relationship with head coach Zac Taylor. The two have built a strong rapport over the years, and Taylor’s confidence in Golden’s ability to lead the defense was a key factor in his hiring. As the Bengals look to build on their success from recent seasons, Golden’s experience and defensive prowess could make all the difference in a highly competitive AFC North division.
Golden’s appointment signals the Bengals’ continued commitment to building a balanced team that can compete for championships. With a strong offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals are well-positioned to be contenders for years to come. However, with Golden leading the defense, the team is now poised to put together a well-rounded roster capable of taking on the league’s toughest opponents. Fans are excited to see how his leadership will impact the defense in 2025 and beyond, as the Bengals aim for greatness.
