Notre Dame is teetering on the edge of disaster. Head coach Marcus Freeman is fighting for stability in a program that seems to be unraveling before his eyes. Key players are bolting, trusted staff members are packing their bags, and the team’s very foundation is shaking under the weight of setbacks. The exodus has hit Notre Dame from all sides—the NFL, the transfer portal, and even direct poaching from rivals.
At the heart of this turmoil is the loss of Al Golden, the mastermind behind Notre Dame’s defensive dominance, who has now taken his talents to the Cincinnati Bengals. On top of that, the Irish lost three of their best offensive linemen and watched their general manager, Chad Bowden, jump ship to USC—for a massive paycheck.
Freeman? The man is drowning.
But just when it seemed like the walls were closing in, Freeman pulled a last-minute power move that could change everything. His answer to Notre Dame’s defensive crisis? 51-year-old Chris Ash.
Chris Ash: A Defensive Guru or a Desperate Gamble?
Freeman isn’t just making a random hire—he’s bringing in a coach with national championship credentials. Fox Sports’ RJ Young didn’t hesitate to call it a major win for the Irish:
“This is a great hire for Marcus Freeman because you have a guy in Chris Ash who knows how to coach a defense that wins national championships.”
And Young’s got receipts. Ash was the co-defensive coordinator for Ohio State in 2014, the year Urban Meyer’s Buckeyes steamrolled Alabama and Oregon to claim the title. That squad? Fast, physical, and ruthless.
But not everyone is convinced. Ash’s track record isn’t flawless. His head coaching stint at Rutgers was an outright disaster—a painful 8-33 record that still haunts his resume. Even Young couldn’t ignore it:
“Chris Ash was head coach at Rutgers, but his last stop didn’t go so well. Greg Schiano took over, and let’s be real—Rutgers is the only place where Schiano seems to win.”
Despite the failures at Rutgers, Ash’s defensive knowledge is undeniable. His Big Ten roots run deep, with coaching stints at Wisconsin, Arkansas, and even the NFL, where he worked with the Jaguars and Raiders. Before his move to Notre Dame, Ash was scouting for Jacksonville—but now, he’s back in the college game, stepping into the fire to salvage the Irish defense.
Notre Dame’s Defense: Can Ash Hold the Line?
Notre Dame’s 2024 defense was elite. The Irish allowed just 15.5 points per game, making them one of the top units in the country. Only four teams had better numbers—one of them being Ohio State, the very team that crushed their championship dreams.
Now, the question looms large: Can Chris Ash maintain or even elevate what Al Golden built?
The challenge is massive. The Irish have lost some key defensive stars—standouts like Jack Kiser, Xavier Watts, and Rylie Mills are gone. But not all hope is lost. The defense still has serious firepower with Drayk Bowen, Adon Shuler, and Jaiden Ausberry returning.
RJ Young pointed out an interesting wrinkle: Ash has a history with Al Golden. They worked together back in their Wisconsin days, and Ash’s experience recruiting Big Ten territory is a major asset. But in today’s college football world, recruiting isn’t just about signing new talent—it’s about keeping your own players from leaving.
“You got a man that is very familiar with the Big Ten and recruiting that area, but in today’s world, it doesn’t take up nearly as much of your time as roster management.”
Translation? The transfer portal is a bigger threat than ever. Freeman’s job isn’t just to land top talent—it’s to stop them from getting lured away by powerhouse programs offering massive NIL deals.
Marcus Freeman’s Fate: No Room for Error
Let’s be real—Freeman has no margin for mistakes. His coaching decisions are under a microscope, and every move he makes from here on out will either solidify his standing or push him closer to the edge.
Bringing in six new assistant coaches in a desperate effort to stabilize the team? That’s already happened. Now, it’s Chris Ash’s turn to prove he can restore the Irish’s defensive dominance.
If he succeeds? Freeman breathes a little easier. But if Notre Dame falters defensively? The criticism will hit like a tidal wave, and the calls for Freeman’s job will only grow louder.
One thing is certain: Chris Ash isn’t just stepping into a coaching role—he’s stepping into a war. And Notre Dame’s future depends on him winning it.
