While there will be some similarities to Lou Anarumo’s playbook, such as the base nickel 4-2, he told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com that other parts of the playbook will be ripped up and redone.

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

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.

The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden that will have him return to the "Who Dey" nation.

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

Cincinnati is finalizing a deal to hire Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to run its defense. Golden helped lead the Fighting Irish to Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship game where they lost to Ohio State. He is expected to officially sign with the team on Thursday.

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.

The Cincinnati Bengals hired Notre Dame's Al Golden as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Thursday.

Well, shortly after the Irish lost to Ohio State, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Golden is a “top candidate” for the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator position, as they waited out for Notre Dame season to end.

Watch: Analyst Praises Al Golden's Coaching Traits as he Takes Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Coordinator Position

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the news: “The #Bengals are finalizing a deal with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, who is expected to be in Cincinnati on Thursday to officially sign on as DC, sources tell The Insiders.”