Does Al Golden regret leaving the Notre Dame football team for the Cincinnati Bengals?
The Irish wish he were still calling plays in South Bend, and considering how the Bengals' season has gone, it seems likely he's having regrets. So far, his magic touch as a defensive coordinator hasn't translated to the NFL. Cincinnati had one of the worst defenses in the league last year, which led to Golden's arrival to try to fix things. So far, it appears it's only gotten worse.
Bengals defense near the bottom of the NFL under former Notre Dame football DC Al Golden
Through four games, the Bengals' defense under the former Notre Dame defensive coordinator is 30th in the NFL in yards per game allowed, with 397.8 yards. They're also 30th against the pass, allowing 262 yards per game. While they're marginally better (26th in the league) against the run, that likely has more to do with how many yards they're allowing through the air.
It's not just the base stats that show Cincinnati struggling under its new DC. "Havoc" plays have become a popular stat to determine just how dominant (or not) a defense has been.
Finding the percentage of havoc plays compiled when a defense gets pressure, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, an interception, or a pass breakup.
Among the 32 NFL teams, the Bengals are second last in havoc percentage. They've managed to "create havoc" in just 25.4% of their defensive snaps. The only team worse? The Carolina Panthers have just 22% Havoc plays.
It's hardly a surprise that the Bengals would be that bad, considering how many yards and points they're giving up in 2025. But it is a surprise that a defense coordinator who made his name running a defense in South Bend that was disruptive and aggressive as all get out has been so poor at replicating those results.
There's also an interesting wrinkle in wondering just how long a tenure Golden will have. If the Bengals continue to look as bad as they have, on both sides of the ball, head coach Zac Taylor's regime could fall before the season is out. Then the former Notre Dame defensive coordinator could be looking for a new job.