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.

With the college football season over, Al Golden can return to the pro coaching ranks. Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator appears to have his next NFL gig lined up.

Two Notre Dame coaches were linked to NFL jobs during the program's College Football Playoff run. The Chicago Bears requested an interview with head coach Marcus Freeman. However, the Irish's season was not complete before the Bears agreed on Monday afternoon to make Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson their next head coach.

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

According to Albert Breer, the Bengals are waiting for the dust to settle on Notre Dame’s season and plan on bringing in Notre Dame DC Al Golden for an interview for their defensive coordinator job sometime over the next 48 hours.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish made the National Championship Game. But just like so many others, their coaching staff could feel some attrition following their loss to Ohio State. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has emerged as a contender for the open Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator job.