Notre Dame Joins Penn State in Defensive Coordinator Search After Al Golden’s Departue

Penn State now has company in its search for a lead defensive assistant coach. Al Golden, a former tight end for the Nittany Lions who served as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator for each of the past three seasons, is reportedly set to take a new job. 

Golden is expected to become the next defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals, ESPN’s Pete Thamel and others reported on Wednesday. He’ll replace Lou Anarumo, who parted ways with Cincinnati and was hired on Tuesday to serve the same position with the Indianapolis Colts.

Penn State is over a week removed from the departure of Tom Allen, who officially left the program for Clemson’s defensive coordinator opening on Jan. 14. Golden was initially viewed as a potential though unrealistic option to replace Allen, particularly because of his ties to the university.

The Nittany Lions’ search will continue after USC’s D’Anton Lynn, another Penn State grad, and Tennessee’s Tim Banks, a former safeties coach under James Franklin, each signed contract extensions with their respective schools. 

The Fighting Irish, fresh off a national championship game appearance, are another attractive destination for a defensive coordinator to land. Three of their past four defensive coordinators have become Power Four head coaches: Marcus Freeman, Clark Lea and Mike Elko.

The Nittany Lions have a similar history in that regard. Two of their past three defensive coordinators, Manny Diaz and Brent Pry, currently serve as ACC head coaches.

It’s unclear who Franklin will inquire about next or what the timeline is for a hire to be made. The program’s winter workouts typically begin in the first week of February.