Al Golden’s Journey from Notre Dame to NFL and Broyles Award Triumph

Al Golden: From Notre Dame to Broyles Award Winner

Feb 15, 2025, 12:29 PM ET

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In the world of college football, where the spotlight often shines brightest on head coaches and star players, it’s refreshing to see an assistant coach receive the recognition they deserve. This year, that honor goes to Al Golden, the former defensive coordinator for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Golden has been named the Broyles Award winner, a prestigious accolade given to the nation’s top assistant coach.

Golden’s journey to this award is a testament to his exceptional coaching abilities and strategic acumen. Under his guidance, Notre Dame’s defense was nothing short of formidable. The Fighting Irish reached the national championship game last month, a feat that undoubtedly played a significant role in Golden’s recognition. His defensive unit was a force to be reckoned with, ranking second in the Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring defense, allowing just 14.3 points per game. Additionally, they were ninth in total defense, conceding only 298.3 yards per game. These statistics speak volumes about Golden’s impact on the team.

But Golden’s story doesn’t end there. Shortly after his success with Notre Dame, he was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals. This move to the NFL is a testament to his growing reputation in the football world. It’s not every day that an assistant coach makes such a seamless transition from college football to the professional ranks, and Golden’s journey is one that many aspiring coaches will undoubtedly look up to.

The Competition

Winning the Broyles Award is no small feat, especially considering the caliber of the other finalists. This year, the competition was fierce, with four other talented coaches vying for the honor:

• Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo
• Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines
• Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks
• Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski

The selection committee, which included former coaches, members of the Football Writers Association of America, and broadcasters, had a tough decision to make. Each of these finalists brought something unique to the table, showcasing their skills and strategies throughout the season. However, it was Golden’s exceptional work with Notre Dame that ultimately set him apart from the rest.

A Legacy of Excellence

Golden is now the 29th assistant coach to receive the Broyles Award, an honor that has been bestowed upon some of the most talented coaches in the history of college football. The award was created in 1996 to recognize the legacy of former Arkansas coach Frank Broyles, who was renowned for his ability to develop assistant coaches. Winning this award places Golden in an elite group of coaches who have made significant contributions to the game.

As we look to the future, it will be exciting to see how Golden’s career continues to evolve. His move to the Cincinnati Bengals is just the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious coaching career. For now, though, he can bask in the glory of being recognized as the nation’s top assistant coach, a title that is well-deserved and hard-earned.

In the ever-competitive world of football, Al Golden’s story is a reminder of the importance of dedication, strategy, and the impact that a great coach can have on a team. As fans and analysts alike celebrate his achievement, one thing is clear: Al Golden’s star is on the rise, and the football world will be watching closely to see what he accomplishes next.