Golden is an obvious name on most shortlists for the Bengals after Lou Anarumo’s firing because he was instrumental in the development of the linebacker unit with Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson years ago before joining the Fighting Irish.

For the first time in six years, the Cincinnati Bengals will begin searching for a new defensive coordinator after the firing of Lou Anarumo. It took Zac Taylor (unofficially) nearly two months to hire Anarumo back in 2019.

Zac Taylor should have higher-profile options in filling the position than when he took over as head coach in 2019.