Yes, it’s the same role that he currently holds with the Irish, but clearly at the highest level. When asked about potentially making the move, Golden was very coy about what his intentions were, saying “at the end of the day, this is not the time or the place,” as reported by On3’s Pete Nakos.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden was a Penn State captain and almost its head coach. Now he leads the Fighting Irish's stout defense vs. the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl.

Golden, who played at Penn State and was Temple's head coach, still has connections on the Nittany Lions' staff.

This is his second stint in South Bend, and there could be another reunion in the future for Golden. Cincinnati ESPN radio host Austin Elmore recently released a short list of candidates to fill the open defensive coordinator position for the Bengals, with the Irish’s defensive leader as one of the four.

Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator Al Golden Reacts to Receiving Interest From Bengals Ahead of National Championship. Golden and the Fighting Irish play the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday night.