BREAKING NEWS: Chris Ash Appointed as Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator After Intense Internal Discussions in South Bend
April 16, 2025 – South Bend, IN — The University of Notre Dame has officially announced the hiring of Chris Ash as the new defensive coordinator of the Fighting Irish football team, following a period of intense internal discussions and strategic evaluation. Ash, a veteran coach with deep experience in both college football and the NFL, steps in to replace Al Golden, who departed earlier this year to take on the defensive coordinator role with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ash’s hiring marks a significant addition to head coach Marcus Freeman’s staff, as the Irish continue to prepare for what promises to be a pivotal 2025 season. Known for his sharp football mind and disciplined defensive schemes, Ash is expected to maintain the strong defensive foundation that Notre Dame has built under Freeman and Golden, while bringing his own strategic flair to the program.
“We’re thrilled to bring Chris on board,” said Freeman in a statement released by the university. “He’s a proven leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to build and maintain elite defenses. After thorough discussions within our program, we’re confident he’s the right fit to lead our unit moving forward.”
Chris Ash arrives in South Bend with an impressive résumé. He served as defensive coordinator at top-tier programs such as Ohio State, where he helped lead the Buckeyes to a national title in 2014, as well as at Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Texas. Most recently, Ash was part of coaching staffs in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders, further expanding his defensive expertise at the professional level.
Sources close to the program suggest that Ash’s appointment was the result of several high-level meetings and evaluations involving Freeman, athletic director Jack Swarbrick, and key program stakeholders. The goal: to ensure continuity in Notre Dame’s defensive identity while setting a course for long-term success. While multiple candidates were considered, Ash’s experience developing both collegiate and professional talent made him the standout choice.
Ash has already addressed the media, outlining his vision for the Irish defense. “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” he said, signaling his intent to preserve the successful systems already in place. “There may be tweaks in terminology and teaching, but our philosophy and toughness will remain the same. This is about building on what’s already working and taking it to the next level.”
In his first test as coordinator, Ash oversaw the defense in Notre Dame’s recent Blue-Gold spring game on April 12. Despite a lopsided scoreline favoring the offense, Ash saw promise in the performance of several young players, including Karson Hobbs, Ben Minich, and Luke Talich. He emphasized that the focus is on development and cohesion heading into the summer.
With a defensive unit featuring standout talents like Boubacar Traore, Adon Shuler, and Gabriel Rubio, expectations remain high. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a critical year for Notre Dame, and Ash’s leadership could be a defining factor in the program’s pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth.
As the Irish move into the next phase of their offseason program, one thing is clear: Chris Ash is ready to make his mark in South Bend.