Al Golden’s time at Notre Dame may have been brief, but it left a significant mark on his career. On Thursday night, he was honored with the 2024 Al Golden’s Broyles Award at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, recognizing his excellence as the Fighting Irish’s defensive coordinator. His leadership helped guide Notre Dame to a national runner-up finish for the 2024-25 season. Golden credited head coach Marcus Freeman, the staff, and the players for creating the special environment that made the achievement possible.
The Broyles Award, named after legendary Arkansas coach and athletic director Frank Broyles, is presented annually to the nation’s top assistant coach. This year’s ceremony, the 29th overall and the first held in Hot Springs, featured a record-breaking crowd. Al Golden received the prestigious honor for his role as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, leading the Fighting Irish to a national runner-up finish in the 2024-25 season.
Golden expressed his admiration for the Broyles Award event, calling it a “marriage for the long term” and praising its mission to support Alzheimer’s research and treatment. The ceremony, held in Hot Springs for the first time, brought together a record crowd for its 29th edition. Though new to the region, Golden stated he would certainly return.
Recently named the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator, Golden was one of five finalists for the award, alongside Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo, Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, Tennessee defensive coordinator Tim Banks, and Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski.
Golden reflected on the collaborative nature of coaching, emphasizing how he and his defensive staff at Notre Dame built a system that perfectly suited their personnel and strengths. He credited head coach Marcus Freeman for fostering a strong culture and environment, highlighting Freeman’s unwavering leadership and belief, even in challenging moments. Golden stated that these lessons and experiences would stay with him throughout his career.
In his third season as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, Golden led a dominant unit that propelled the Fighting Irish to their first national championship game appearance since 2012. His defense was the foundation of the team’s success, leading the nation in forced turnovers (33) and allowing just 15.5 points per game.
Golden expressed his deep connection to Notre Dame, saying this achievement solidifies his place as part of the program. He reflected on how the head coach, staff, and players came together at the right time to build something special—an experience that will stay with them forever.
Notre Dame finished the season 14-2, winning 13 consecutive games before falling to Ohio State in the national championship. Golden’s defense was dominant throughout the run, holding nine opponents to 14 points or fewer, including a 23-10 win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl CFP quarterfinal.
All four of the other finalists also guided their respective units to College Football Playoff berths, leading some of the nation’s top offenses and defenses.
In his first season as Arizona State’s offensive coordinator, Marcus Arroyo helped the Sun Devils exceed expectations after being projected to finish last in the Big 12. With Arroyo calling plays, Arizona State won the Big 12 title and secured its first-ever CFP appearance. His offense flourished, with quarterback Sam Leavitt and running back Cam Scattebo breaking multiple program records.
Bryant Haines, a semifinalist for the Broyles Award in 2023, took a significant step forward in 2024 by leading Indiana to an impressive 11-win season after winning just three games the previous year. His defense was dominant, finishing first in the nation in rushing defense and second in total defense.
Tim Banks’ Tennessee defense was equally impressive, holding 10 of 13 opponents to 20 points or fewer—the fewest points allowed per game by a Volunteers defense since their 1998 national championship season. Tennessee ranked sixth in total defense, limiting opponents to just 293 yards per game.
Pete Kwiatkowski earned his fourth Broyles Award nomination and his first appearance as a finalist. His Texas defense was one of the nation’s best, ranking third in scoring defense by allowing just 15.3 points per game. The Longhorns also ranked second nationally in forced turnovers (31) and held 14 of 16 opponents under 300 yards, helping them secure a College Football Playoff semifinal berth.
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