Chris Ash Joins Notre Dame: What It Means for the Fighting Irish

Chris Ash Joins Notre Dame: What It Means for the Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has found its new defensive coordinatorChris Ash. He’s a seasoned coach with decades of experience, and sources say the deal is all but done. The school is expected to make it official in the next few days.

Why Notre Dame Picked Chris Ash

The biggest reason? Experience. Ash has been coaching for 24 years, and this will be his fifth time running a defense at a major college football program. He’s also spent time in the NFL, which only adds to his resume.

Notre Dame wanted someone who could step in right away and keep their defense strong, especially after Al Golden left to take a job with the Cincinnati Bengals. Golden helped the Irish reach the national title game this past season, so filling his shoes won’t be easy. But Ash has the background to do it.

His Coaching Career at a Glance

Ash has coached all over the place, but his best work has been as a defensive coordinator. Some of his biggest coaching stops include:

  • Ohio State (2014-2015): He helped them win a national championship in 2014.
  • Wisconsin (2011-2012): His defenses led them to two Big Ten titles.
  • Arkansas (2013): He was the defensive coordinator before moving to Ohio State.
  • Texas (2020): Ran the defense in the competitive Big 12.
  • Rutgers (2016-2019): He was a head coach there, though it was a tough gig.

Wherever Ash has gone, his defenses have been tough, disciplined, and ranked among the best.

Who He’s Replacing

Ash is stepping in for Al Golden, who left to become the Bengals’ defensive coordinator in the NFL. Golden played a major role in getting Notre Dame to the national championship game this past season, so Ash will need to keep that momentum going.

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Notre Dame’s Defense is Already in a Good Spot

The good news for Ash? He’s not starting from scratch. Notre Dame’s defense is already loaded with talent. Some key players returning include:

  • Drayk Bowen (Linebacker)
  • Adon Shuler (Safety)
  • Leonard Moore (Cornerback)

These guys aren’t rookies—they’ve already proven they can play at a high level. Ash’s job will be to fine-tune the defense and take them to the next level.

His Track Record Speaks for Itself

Ash knows how to build great defenses. Over the years, his units have ranked in the top 25 nationally multiple times. Some highlights of his career:

  • Ohio State’s 2015 defense ranked No. 2 in the country.
  • Both of his Wisconsin defenses finished in the top 15.
  • He’s helped develop NFL stars like Joey Bosa, Marshon Lattimore, and Denzel Ward.

He’s got the coaching chops to turn good players into elite ones.

His NFL Experience is a Bonus

One thing that makes Ash a great hire? He’s been in the NFL. He’s coached at the college level for most of his career, but he’s also spent time working with pro teams, including:

  • Jacksonville Jaguars (2021, 2024): Worked with the safeties and later had a personnel role.
  • Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2023): Coached the defensive backs.

That kind of experience matters. He’s seen how defenses operate at the highest level, and he can bring that knowledge back to Notre Dame.

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Source: Sources: Notre Dame to hire Chris Ash as defensive coordinator

He Knows the Midwest Well

Another thing working in Ash’s favor? He’s coached all over the Midwest. He’s had stints at:

  • Ohio State
  • Wisconsin
  • Iowa State
  • Drake University

That familiarity with the area could help Notre Dame’s recruiting, especially when it comes to finding defensive talent.

Chris Ash Joins Notre Dame: What It Means for the Fighting Irish

Joining a Strong Coaching Staff

Ash won’t be doing this alone. Notre Dame already has a great defensive coaching staff, and he’ll be working alongside:

  • Al Washington – Defensive line coach and run game coordinator.
  • Mike Mickens – Defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator.
  • Max BulloughLinebackers coach.
  • Marty Biagi – Special teams coach, who also helps with defensive backs.

Head coach Marcus Freeman was also a defensive coordinator before taking over the team, so defense is a huge priority for this staff.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Notre Dame needed a proven defensive leader, and Chris Ash fits the bill. He’s coached elite defenses, developed NFL talent, and worked at some of the biggest programs in the country. With a talented roster already in place, he has a chance to keep Notre Dame’s defense among the nation’s best.

Now, all that’s left is to make it official—and for Ash to get to work.

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