Cincinnati Bengals: 5 takeaways from Al Golden’s return

New Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden is again in Cincinnati. After the contract was signed, we obtained to listen to extra from Golden about what introduced him again to Cincinnati throughout an interview with Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.

Golden’s household remained in Cincinnati whereas he was with Notre Dame

Familiarity with not solely Zac Taylor however the metropolis of Cincinnati performed a job in Golden’s choice to return dwelling. Golden talked about that his household and two of his youngsters stayed in Cincinnati when he left to educate the Preventing Irish protection.

“All my children went to highschool right here and I’ve two nonetheless right here. Cincinnati is dwelling for us. To have this chance at the moment is thrilling,” Golden mentioned. “I understand how Zac needs issues finished and the way the whole group operates lends itself to being conversant in the whole lot. I used to be an enormous fan of Zac’s tradition once I was right here the primary time.”

Golden’s tireless work ethic left an impression on Bengals coaches

Safeties coach Jordan Kovacs labored with Golden in his first stint with the Bengals, and one factor that caught with him was Golden’s tireless work ethic.

“I do know the primary day at work, I’m most likely going to get an e mail at 5:30 a.m. and it’s going to be very detailed about issues we have to get rolling,” Kovacs says. “And he’s going to be lifeless on about them. Very exhausting employee. Very detailed.

Kovacs additionally talked about how good of a trainer Golden is and the constructive vitality he brings.

A few of Lou Anarumo’s schemes will keep, however some will change

When requested if the previous defensive playbook could be scrapped, Golden talked about he would hold some issues from Anarumo’s protection, however some could be tossed out.

“There are some issues I’m actually conversant in and there are specific issues that we wish to go in a special path.

“On the finish of the day, I’ve to be snug with it and the defensive workers needs to be snug with it. We’ll construct that collectively … If there’s no purpose to alter the best way the youngsters can perceive it, there’s no ego. There’s no purpose to alter it simply to alter it.”

Golden had an enormous affect on the Bengals’ present linebacker room

Wilson has been the Bengals’ finest linebacker since he was drafted in 2020, and Golden performed a big position in drafting and creating him. Germaine Pratt was in his second season when Golden started working with him. Impending free agent Akeem Davis-Gaither additionally benefited from Golden’s teachings.

“For me, it was necessary to see that as a younger coach,” Kovacs mentioned. “To establish the younger expertise and develop them. These guys took huge steps underneath Al’s management. He paints a superb image. He units the usual, he lives the usual, and he expects the usual from his gamers.”

Golden has held many positions, together with head coach at Temple

At solely 55, Golden brings a whole lot of teaching expertise with him. His expertise in several roles is one thing the Bengals appreciated.

The Bengals like the truth that Golden, 55, has finished the whole lot from head coach information conferences (for 5 years at Temple College and 5 extra on the College of Miami) to educate a good ends room in Detroit (2016-17), after which go throughout the corridor to educate linebackers earlier than wreaking havoc on the nation this previous season as a coordinator.

The hype round Golden is excessive now, however as we all know within the NFL, the honeymoon part received’t final lengthy. Golden has loads of work forward of him to show round a protection that failed the Bengals constantly in 2024.