What happened: Per The Insiders on NFL Network, Cincinnati retained Al Golden as defensive coordinator after 2025 rather than firing him. That decision has produced very positive early returns in 2026.

Why it matters: Boye Mafe said during July camp the unit was taking shape under Golden. Sustained gains would validate continuity over a full scheme reset.

What to watch: The next stretch of regular-season games will show whether the early trend holds.