Back in August, former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden was getting all sorts of praise in his new job leading the Cincinnati Bengals' defense. Now, in November, it's entirely possible he won't keep the job until the end of the season.
The Bengals' defense has been putrid so far this year. Not just the worst unit in the NFL, but on pace to be one of the worst in the history of the league. While Golden took over a unit that was almost as bad as it was a year ago, he was expected to turn things around. It hasn't helped that a Joe Burrow-less offense hasn't missed a beat with Joe Flacco under center.
Al Golden’s NFL future looks uncertain after brutal collapses
You have to fire Al Golden. You cannot allow your defense to lose in such a way over the last two weeks.
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) November 2, 2025
Unfathomable.
Things reached a head on Sunday afternoon after the Bengals rallied to take a late lead over the Chicago Bears with just 50 seconds to go in the game. However, as Al Golden's unit has done so often this year, they couldn't hold it. This time, allowing the Bears to score in just over 40 seconds on a long touchdown pass, accentuated by a missed tackle in the middle of the field.
Fire Al Golden.
— ZIM (@zimwhodey) November 3, 2025
Bring in another defensive coordinator to coach the worst defense in football. Just so we can fire him too.
I get it but I’m struggling to find the significance.
FIRE DUKE TOBIN makes much more sense.
The numbers for Golden's defense are especially bad in the last two weeks. The man who led Notre Dame to become one of the stingiest defenses in the sport is allowing an average of 43 points per game in Cincy's last two outings. The unit started strong, allowing just 16 points to Cleveland in the team's season-opening win, but since then, it hasn't held any opponent under 27 points.
Al Golden to every RB:
— obscure bengals (@obscure_bengals) November 2, 2025
“You get a running Lane. you get a running lane.” pic.twitter.com/aBFUUFWAUN
In the last three weeks, the Bengals offense has scored 33, 38, and 42 and is 1-2. In Week 8, they allowed Justin Fields and the winless Jets to put up 39 points, scoring 23 points in the final quarter of the game to complete the improbable comeback.
Al Golden special pic.twitter.com/1Gh7wCl6ZI
— YoshiSZN (@YoshiSZNs) November 2, 2025
The calls to fire Al Golden are coming fast and furiously on Monday. Even if it feels like the blame lies more with the front office, a defense that can't hold anyone under almost four touchdowns a game cannot continue to be allowed to go on. The former Notre Dame defensive whiz has lost his touch in the NFL.