The Cincinnati Bengals kicked off a new week of training camp recognizing defensive coordinator Al Golden at their team facility.
Before making his way back to the franchise this offseason, Golden helped Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football reach the national championship by orchestrating one of the best defenses in the country.
On February 15, Golden earned the Broyles Award as the nation’s best assistant coach.
The Broyles Award was established in 1996 to honor legendary Arkansas coach Frank Broyles, who was known for developing top-tier assistant coaches during his career. Golden is the 29th assistant coach to receive the award.
The 2024 finalists included some of the nation’s top offensive and defensive minds: Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo, Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks, and Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.
The selection committee consisted of former coaches, members of the Football Writers Association of America, and broadcasters, highlighting the reputation of the award.
Golden Embraced by Bengals As Award Recipient
Standing in front of Bengals players, coaches and staff, Golden was met with applause as the representatives from the Broyles Award delivered the “prestigious” trophy.
“I just want to accept this on behalf of anybody that I’ve had the great fortune of coaching,” Golden said. “It’s a great profession, other than being called ‘DAD’ being called ‘COACH’ is the greatest thing in the world, right? For all the coaches that have been a part of my life. All the great coaches that I’ve had the great fortune of being around, that have made me who I am now.”
“Congratulations to Al Golden for receiving the prestigious Broyles Award,” the Bengals posted Tuesday on X, formerly Twitter.
As the Bengals gear up for the 2025 season, Golden’s return to Cincinnati has brought much-needed optimism to a defensive unit that has struggled to be successful in recent history.
“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” head coach Zac Taylor said in a statement released by the team after Golden was hired in January. “He understands football at every level and has had great success as a coordinator, position coach and head coach. Al has a great football mind and will bring a smart, physical, aggressive approach to our defense.”
Credits Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame As Collegiate Chapter Officially Ends
While Golden stares down a pivotal comeback with the Bengals — after serving stints as linebackers coach in 2020 and 2021 — it’s impossible to overlook the impact Freeman and Notre Dame have had on his coaching career.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t take a second just to dedicate this to Coach Freeman, the ’24 Fighting Irish,” Golden said. “Those guys were unbelievable.”
Golden’s defense ranked second in the FBS in scoring defense, allowing just 14.3 points per game. They also finished ninth nationally in total defense, surrendering just 298.3 YPG.
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