Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. More: 3 Wolverines, 3 ex-Spartans make ESPN list of top 100 college football players from '24-25

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has coached his last game with the Fighting Irish on Monday night. According to multiple reports, the Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal with Golden to make him their next defensive coordinator.

"Notre Dame DC Al Golden is expected to become the Cincinnati Bengals next defensive coordinator. He’s informed Notre Dame officials of his decision," Thamel reported. Given the ties to Cincinnati with him formerly being on the staff and the prominent success with Notre Dame -- Golden's return to the Bengals mad plenty of sense.