They will officially stay.
As new Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden finalizes his staff, we got clarity on two coaches from the Lou Anarumo era.
Cornerbacks coach Charles Burks and safeties coach Jordan Kovacs were two coaches who survived the initial wave of firings after the 2024 season, but there was some doubt about whether or not Golden would retain their services.
Monday, Golden spoke to the media and confirmed that both Burks and Kovacs would remain in their respective positions. Kovacs was with the Bengals with Golden in 2021 and it appears he and Golden worked closely together.
“Jordan was like my right-hand man when I was here last time,” said Golden. “And just watched him grow over the last couple of years.”
While not having worked with Burks, Golden said he sat down with him after accepting the job, and it sounds like the two were able to get on the same page.
“I had a chance to spend some time with (Burks) last Thursday in the building,” said Golden. “He grabbed the pen, and we just sat there for like two hours covering so many different things, which was awesome.”
Golden announced the hires of defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and linebackers coach Mike Hodges Monday as well. Montgomery will also serve as the defensive run game coordinator.
Who Dey!