Bengals Hire Sean Desai as Senior Defensive Assistant

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals are hiring Sean Desai as a senior defensive assistant, according to reports. Desai, 41, joins the Bengals after a season with the Los Angeles Rams, where he provided assistance in defensive game planning.

Desai has a diverse coaching background, having served as a defensive coordinator for both the Chicago Bears in 2021 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. His stint with the Bears saw the team rank sixth in the NFL in yards allowed, though they struggled with points allowed, finishing 22nd.

New Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden—who previously coached Desai at Temple—welcomes his former assistant into the fold. Desai worked under Golden from 2006 to 2009, first as a graduate assistant and then as the outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator in Goldens’s final year at Temple in 2010.

“Sean’s experience and knowledge of the game make him a valuable addition to our staff,” Golden said in a statement. “We have a history of working together, and I believe we can make significant improvements to the defense.”

After his time at Temple, Desai moved to the University of Miami in 2011 as the assistant director of football operations under Golden. He has also served on coaching staffs for the Seattle Seahawks and at various levels of college football.

During Desai’s coaching career, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to develop players and create effective defensive strategies. His work with the Rams last season is expected to provide additional insights as the Bengals aim to enhance their defensive performance in the upcoming season.

In addition to improving the Bengals’ defense, this hire reflects the organization’s commitment to building a cohesive coaching staff with shared philosophies. The Bengals will be looking to bounce back from last season’s challenges and hope that Desai’s experience will help turn their defense around.

Desai’s appointment is just one of several changes to the Bengals’ coaching staff under Golden, showcasing a proactive approach to revitalizing team performance.