Cincinnati is finalizing a deal to hire Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to run its defense. Golden helped lead the Fighting Irish to Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship game where they lost to Ohio State. He is expected to officially sign with the team on Thursday.

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

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is a bit more experienced now compared to the last time he had to hire a defensive coordinator. Taylor and the Bengals are currently going through potential candidates for the position Lou Anarumo was fired from last week after Taylor hired him nearly six years last ago.

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.

Report: Cincinnati Bengals Head Coach Zac Taylor 'Paused' Defensive Coordinator Search to Speak With Al Golden

The Cincinnati Bengals plan to hire a new defensive coordinator with Al Golden this week, yet the process has come under fire. While Zac Taylor and the Bengals’ familiarity with Golden and vice versa is a good thing and might be the right fit right now, it’s hard to blame those onlookers who feel that the process itself was an issue.

The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly found their next defensive coordinator – and he has prior experience under head coach Zac Taylor.

Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals haven’t done much to hide their intentions when it comes to the team’s next defensive corodsintoer. The transparent, narrow search to fill the position has always obviously centered on Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Those plans took another step on Monday night.