(Photo: Chad Ryan)
Al Golden, who shortly after the conclusion of the 2024-25 season headed back to the NFL to become the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, has been named the winner of the 2024 Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach. He joins Bob Diaco (2012) as the second Notre Dame coach to earn the honor. The honor has been given annually since 1996.
Defensive Excellence
Golden’s 2024 defense was among the best in the country, leading the FBS in pass efficiency defense (104.4), turnovers gained (33), defensive touchdowns (6), and blocked kicks (6). The Irish also ranked second in fumbles recovered (14), fourth in passing yards allowed (169.4) and scoring defense (15.5 PPG), and fifth in interceptions (19).
Notre Dame secured seven victories over ranked teams, the most of any FBS program, and posted a 7-1 record against ranked opponents, the best in the nation. They also became the first team to defeat an AP-ranked opponent in six different months in a single season.
Game-Changing Impact
Golden’s defense created key opportunities, leading the nation in turnovers gained (33) and outscoring opponents 158-44 off takeaways. The Irish held seven teams to 125 or fewer passing yards and six opponents to 250 or fewer total yards.
Notre Dame allowed one or fewer touchdowns in seven games and limited 12 of 14 opponents to 17 or fewer points, marking the best defensive performance for the Irish since 2012.
With Golden at the helm, Notre Dame’s defense reestablished itself as an elite unit. Just three days after the conclusion of Notre Dame’s 14-2 season he announced his move back to the NFL, where he had coached from 2016-2021. Chris Ash, past defensive coordinator at Ohio State and Texas, head coach at Rutgers and most recently NFL scout and defensive backs coach has been hired by Marcus Freeman to succeed Golden.