When Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden shot down the idea of joining the Cincinnati Bengals as Zac Taylor fired up the search for a new one, it was hard to tell if he was just going coachspeak with his answer. Bengals fans are getting closer to finding out.

The Bengals fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo Monday. Here are three names to watch for potential replacements.

With the Cincinnati Bengals pivoting off Lou Anarumo as their defensive coordinator, all signs point to them replacing him after the College Football Playoff runs its course. Their top choice is coaching in that game and has ties to the Bengals franchise.