Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is leaving the Fighting Irish to become the Cincinnati Bengals' next defensive coordinator, the team announced on Saturday

Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive coordinator Al Golden is on the heels of an NFL job after the Fighting Irish lost to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff national championship game Monday.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden is expected to join the Bengals in the same role, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.

Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced.

Notre Dame (14-2) led the nation with 33 takeaways, scored six defensive touchdowns and led all Power Four teams in turnover margin (plus-18).

Fresh off its first top two finish in the polls since 1993, Notre Dame will be looking for a new defensive coordinator.

A Cincinnati Bengals homecoming could be in the works for Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Albert Breer of The MMQB reported Tuesday that the

"Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as a top candidate to be the Bengals new DC, per me and Mike Garafolo," Rapoport wrote. "Coach Zac Taylor has been waiting for the National Championship to end before moving forward. Now that it has, he can speak with Golden & work thru it."

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?

Next up for Notre Dame is Ohio State with the entire sport watching. Here are three keys and a prediction of Monday night.