In a significant development for Notre Dame football, the departure of defensive coordinator Al Golden to the Cincinnati Bengals has prompted a search for his successor.
Golden, who served as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator since 2022, was instrumental in elevating the team’s defense to national prominence. His return to the NFL, where he previously coached, leaves a notable vacancy in the Fighting Irish’s coaching staff.
Al Golden’s Tenure at Notre Dame
Al Golden joined Notre Dame in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of coaching experience from both collegiate and professional football. Under his leadership, the Fighting Irish defense saw marked improvements, culminating in a top-five national ranking in total defense by 2023. Golden’s strategic acumen and ability to develop player talent were pivotal in these achievements.
Transition to the Cincinnati Bengals
Golden’s move to the Cincinnati Bengals as their new defensive coordinator marks a return to the NFL, where he previously served as the Bengals’ linebackers coach from 2020 to 2021. His familiarity with the organization and prior NFL experience make him a fitting choice to lead the Bengals’ defense.
Emergence of Chris Ash as a Leading Candidate
In the wake of Golden’s departure, Notre Dame has initiated the search for a new defensive coordinator. A prominent name that has surfaced is Chris Ash, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in both collegiate and professional football. Ash’s coaching resume includes serving as the head coach at Rutgers and as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, where he was instrumental in leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2014.
Chris Ash’s Coaching Background
Chris Ash’s coaching career spans several notable positions:
Rutgers Head Coach (2016-2019): Ash took on the challenging role of head coach at Rutgers, where he worked to rebuild the program.
Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (2014-2015): During his tenure, Ash co-led a defense that was instrumental in Ohio State’s 2014 national championship run.
Texas Defensive Coordinator (2020): Ash served as the defensive coordinator for the Texas Longhorns, further solidifying his reputation as a defensive strategist.
Most recently, Ash has been involved in coaching roles within the NFL, adding professional experience to his extensive collegiate background.
Potential Impact on Notre Dame
Should Notre Dame proceed with hiring Chris Ash as the new defensive coordinator, his extensive experience and proven track record could provide continuity and further enhancement to the team’s defensive prowess. Ash’s familiarity with high-level competition and his ability to develop defensive talent would be invaluable assets as the Fighting Irish aim to maintain and build upon their recent successes.
Conclusion
The departure of Al Golden marks the end of a successful chapter for Notre Dame’s defense. However, the potential addition of a seasoned coach like Chris Ash offers a promising opportunity for the program to continue its upward trajectory. As the search progresses, Notre Dame’s commitment to excellence remains evident, with the aim of sustaining and enhancing the team’s competitive edge in the seasons to come.
