Notre Dame football officially is losing Al Golden to the Bengals. However, the Irish could have an immediate replacement.

The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing terms with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden to bring him aboard in the same position on head coach

The Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator job has been open for more than two weeks now, but there hasn't been much movement on a possible hiring and now we know why: The team was waiting for Notre Dame to finish its season.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to join the Bengals in the same role, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.

The Cincinnati Bengals are finalizing a deal to make Notre Dame's Al Golden their new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Golden will arrive at the Bengals' facility Thursday to sign his deal.

Losing to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national championship is bad enough, but losing, 34-23, and looking overmatched in the process ... well, that wasn't good.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden were linked to the NFL ahead of their appearance in the College Football Playoff national championship.

Notre Dame (14-2) led the nation with 33 takeaways, scored six defensive touchdowns and led all Power Four teams in turnover margin (plus-18).

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish made it to the national championship game on the strength of their dominant defense. Unfortunately for the Irish, however, the team fell short in the title game against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Cincinnati Bengals were in need of a new defensive coordinator after parting ways with Lou Anarumo this offseason, and it sounds like the team may have found his replacement. According to Pete Nakos of On3,

Zach Ertz helped the Philadelphia Eagles win their first Super Bowl. Now, with the Washington Commanders, he faces his former club in the NFC Championship Game.