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.

Scott Peters is Cincinnati Bengals New Offensive Line CoachCINCINNATI — The Bengals officially announced the hiring of defensive coordinator Al Golden on Thursday afternoon. Golden has served as the Notre Dame defensive coordinator for the past three seasons,

Al Golden is headed back to Cincinnati. After three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, multiple reports indicate Golden is finalizing a deal to return to the Bengals as defensive coordinator. Pete Thamel of ESPN noted Golden has informed Notre Dame officials of his decision.

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

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.

After firing Lou Anarumo following the season, it was clear from the start that Taylor was targeting Golden for the job. Taylor reportedly interviewed Patrick Graham and DeMarcus Covington for the job but ultimately decided to select Golden for the job.

Al Golden’s return to the Cincinnati Bengals was made official Thursday, with the franchise announcing he was hired as defensive coordinator.

The Cincinnati Bengals hired Notre Dame's Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Thursday.

The Cincinnati Bengals announced the hiring of Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator on Thursday. Golden, 55, spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.