Talk about a double whammy. Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame just took another gut punch after losing the championship game to the Buckeyes. It seriously stings to keep missing that elusive title, something they haven’t touched since 1988. For over three decades, the heartbreak’s been relentless, and this year they were so close, it almost hurt. But let’s not forget that Freeman’s crew is loaded with talent; they play with heart, and they desperately want to end this drought.

Now, here’s the twist: Notre Dame’s struggles are far from over as Al Golden, the mastermind behind their top-tier defense, appears ready to depart. According to NFL Network reports, Golden is the Bengals’ top choice for defensive coordinator. The Bengals waited until the national championship concluded before making their move, and now they are working out the details of a deal. Well, losing Golden creates a significant void in Notre Dame’s plans for redemption. His leadership transformed their defense into a national force, and finding a replacement wouldn’t be an easy task.

Talk about being in the hot seat. Just imagine, already dealing with a swarm of critics scrutinizing your every move, and then suddenly receiving news that your team might take a major blow. That’s precisely the atmosphere surrounding Notre Dame at the moment. However, it’s not set in stone yet. When grilled about the change of heart, Al Golden kept his cool and said, “Yeah, I’m sorry. I can’t even fathom thinking about anything right now other than what we just experienced.” Things might change, but it’s hard to say if it’ll be good or bad.

Moreover, let’s be real: Al Golden is the backbone of Notre Dame’s defense. This is the person who helped the Irish halt the Georgia Bulldogs during the playoffs. Remember how Georgia failed to convert on all three of their fourth-down attempts? And those two fumbles? One occurred deep in Irish territory, while the other hilariously took place in Georgia’s own backyard. That’s the epitome of defensive wizardry, and Golden’s fingerprints were all over it. Without him, things could go south faster than a fumble in overtime for Marcus Freeman.

What does AL Golden mean for Marcus Freeman’s army?

It would be the worst time for Al Golden to make the switch, as it would undoubtedly have a significant impact on Notre Dame’s coaching staff. Plus, his influence in South Bend is undeniable; having delivered three consecutive seasons with top-25 defenses is not an easy walk. Furthermore, his NFL gig, highlighted by Cincinnati’s 2021 Super Bowl run, makes him an excellent candidate for the defensive coordinator role. For Freeman, however, this would mean another chapter in his ongoing quest to rebuild the Irish staff.

Meanwhile, it comes as no surprise that the Bengals are interested in Golden, given his successful stints in both college and the NFL. His ability to guide players at the highest level, combined with his defensive expertise, has solidified his reputation as a top-tier coach. But for Marcus Freeman, soon the rat race to find a DC will start, making it his fourth in three years.

Well, this wasn’t unexpected! The day before their January 7th semifinal versus Penn State, and after Anarumo’s Bengals firing, Blue & Gold reporter Tyler Horka had inquired with Golden about the position. But Golden ignored it, saying, “I’m not worried about anything else but how to stop Penn State. And I mean that.” Looks like this ain’t just talk anymore. We’ll see if Notre Dame can hold onto their defensive mastermind, or if they’ll watch him walk.