Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden responds to NFL rumors ahead of the CFP National Championship showdown against Ohio State. Could he be leaving South Bend for a return to the Bengals?

Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden did not confirm or deny his interest in the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator position, which is currently open. During media availability for his side’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game appearance on Saturday,

Monday will be the ninth time that Ohio State and Notre Dame have met in program history. The Buckeyes won the last meeting 17-14 in 2023 on a last-second touchdown in South Bend, Indiana. Golden will have the challenging task of stopping an Ohio State offense that ranks 12th in points (35.8) nationally.

Al Golden knows that Notre Dame needs to be at its best defensively on Monday to take down Ohio State's aerial threat.

Analyzing the key matchups where Notre Dame can capitalize against Ohio State in the CFP National Championship showdown.

Despite suffering significant injuries on the defensive line throughout the season and postseason, and losing expected first-round pick, cornerback Benjamin Morrison to a season-ending hip injury against Stanford, Golden's defense has been one of the best units in the country in 2024.

Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden and Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly have plenty of experience and will finally coach against each other Monday.

Can the Notre Dame Fighting Irish pull off a massive College Football Playoff upset over the Ohio State Buckeyes?

Colts Neck Al Golden, once a star tight end for Penn State, will coach against his alma mater with Notre Dame in the CFP Orange Bowl.

The greatest strength of these Notre Dame Fighting Irish is a physical and relentless defense. Led by All-American lineman Howard Cross III

The Irish have been so well coached that NFL teams have taken notice. In recent weeks, reports have indicated that Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden are receiving interest from the professional ranks.

Both the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish elevated their programs to championship caliber with big moves in the offseason