Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor introduces new defensive coordinator Al Golden at Paycor Stadium. Golden was hired last week after the Bengals fired former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. Anarumo is now the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts.

Notre Dame’s Al Golden “has emerged as a top candidate to be the Bengals new [defensive coordinator]," NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported after the Irish fell to Ohio State in Monday’s National Championship. Zac Taylor was waiting for Notre Dame’s season to end before approaching Golden about the opening, Rapoport said.

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.