The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are turning the page after a stellar 2024 season that fell just short of a national championship. Despite a 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the title game, the Irish made an impressive run through the College Football Playoff, securing three consecutive wins to reach the final. Now, as they prepare for the 2025 season, Notre Dame is addressing key departures, including the loss of defensive coordinator Al Golden, who left to join the Cincinnati Bengals as their defensive coordinator.
To fill the void, Notre Dame has announced the hiring of Chris Ash as their new defensive coordinator. Ash brings a wealth of experience to South Bend, having served as a defensive backs coach and scout in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders over the past three years. Prior to his NFL stint, Ash was the defensive coordinator at Texas in 2020 and co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State under Urban Meyer. During his time with the Buckeyes in 2015, Ash helped lead a defense that ranked second in scoring defense, ninth in sacks, and ninth in total defense.
Notre Dame officially welcomed Ash to the program with a simple yet heartfelt message on social media: *”Welcome to the Irish family, Coach Ash.”*
While some have questioned the hire due to Ash’s struggles as head coach at Rutgers from 2016 to 2019, where he posted an 8-32 overall record and a 3-26 mark in Big Ten play, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has expressed confidence in Ash’s ability to lead the defense.
“Chris has a great reputation of being a coach who builds strong relationships while developing his players, and that makes him a great fit for this role,” Freeman said.
Ash will take over a talented Notre Dame roster coming off a national championship appearance, with the task of maintaining the defensive excellence that has become a hallmark of the program. As the Fighting Irish look to reload for another title run, Ash’s experience and leadership will be key to their success in 2025.
