New Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden arrives with some key strengths of his own. His predecessor, Lou Anarumo, had an almost uncanny ability to throw out a by-the-opponent amoeba defense and give quarterbacks as Patrick Mahomes fits.

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.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor mentioned division familiarity as a criteria for DC, so Al Golden understands his challenge.