CINCINNATI >> Al Golden’s return to the Cincinnati Bengals was made official Thursday, with the franchise announcing he was hired as defensive coordinator.

Golden was the Bengals linebackers coach during the 2020 and ’21 seasons before going to Notre Dame, where he was defensive coordinator for three years.

He interviewed on Tuesday, the day after Notre Dame’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff national title game. Golden informed Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman of his decision on Wednesday.

“Al is a very highly regarded coach, and we are excited to welcome him back to the Bengals as defensive coordinator,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said in a statement. “He understands football at every level and has had great success as a coordinator, position coach and head coach. Al has a great football mind and will bring a smart, physical, aggressive approach to our defense.”

Golden replaces Lou Anarumo, who led Cincinnati’s defense for six seasons. Anarumo was hired as the Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator on Monday.

Cincinnati ended the season on a five-game winning streak to go 9-8, but missed out on a playoff spot for the second straight year. A major reason for that was the defense.

The Bengals lost four games in which they scored at least 30 points. The defense allowed 414 points, fifth most in the league, and surrendered a touchdown on 67.9% of opponent’s red zone possessions, the third-worst rate in the NFL.

Jaguars interviewing Bucs OC Coen>> The Jacksonville Jaguars are interviewing Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen after all. It’s the latest turn in a covert operation that included owner Shad Khan moving on from general manager Trent Baalke and Coen reversing course with the Buccaneers.

Khan fired Baalke on Wednesday and cleared a path for Coen to get to Jacksonville. Coen initially declined an in-person interview with the Jaguars. He instead agreed to a new contract with Tampa Bay that would have made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid coordinators.

But Coen never showed up to sign the deal and somewhat secretly traveled to Jacksonville to meet with Khan, interim general manager Ethan Waugh and others.

Woman indicted in crash that killed Vikings rookie>> A woman has been indicted in the July 6 car crash that killed Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two of his former high school teammates.

Cori Clingman was indicted on 13 counts, including vehicular manslaughter related to driving under the influence, according to prosecutors in Prince George’s County, Md. State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said Thursday that Clingman faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Jackson was a fourth-round draft pick by the Vikings in April. He and the other victims, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., played together at Wise High School in Maryland.

Woman testifies against Peppers>> A woman has testified that Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers grabbed her by the neck and slammed her against the wall after she got a phone call while they were in bed. She testified Thursday on the first day of Peppers’ trial on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The attorney for Peppers, Marc Brofsky, challenged the woman’s account and the extent of her injuries during cross-examination. He also brought up a $9.5 million civil lawsuit the woman has filed against Peppers, noting she was “looking for money.”