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

Al Golden accomplished a ton in three years at Notre Dame but now the Irish must replace him as he's on his way back to the NFL. Who might they find to do that

It was clear from the begining that Taylor wanted to hire Golden for the position. Golden spent the last two seasons as Notre Dame's defensive coordinator after serving as the Bengals' linebackers coach from 2020-21.