Marcus Freeman Continues Building a National Title Contender at Notre Dame With Key Hire 

Marcus Freeman‘s Notre Dame has every right to think it will contend for a national championship in 2026 after coming off another 10-win season. The Irish also continue to load their coaching staff and are expected to hire Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry, according to college football insider Matt Zenitz.

Henry is not going to Freeman’s squad as a defensive coordinator, instead he will be the defensive back coach. He will replace Mike Mickens, who left for a role on the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive staff.

Henry is an elite coach and won Defensive Back Coach of the year award in 2022. He has been on Illinois’ staff since 2021, the last three years as the defensive coordinator. He reunites with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash, who coached him at Wisconsin.

Henry has been a key figure in Illinois posting 19 wins the last two seasons, the winningest two-year run in school history.

Besides his work as a defensive coordinator, Henry’s resume as a defensive back developer is impressive, as he coached standout defensive backs such as 2023 top-five draft pick Devon Witherspoon. He also developed players like safety Jartavis Martin (2nd round pick), safety Sydney Brown (3rd round pick), and cornerback Xavier Scott (First-Team All-Big Ten and semifinalist for Jim Thorpe Award).

As a player, Henry was a star defensive back at Wisconsin and also played in the NFL. He was also a two-time All-Big Ten selection.

Marcus Freeman Receives Heartfelt Goodbye Message From Assistant 

Notre Dame linebackers coach Al Washington accepted the same role with the Miami Dolphins. He had served as Notre Dame’s defensive line coach since Freeman became head coach in 2022 and left South Bend with a heartfelt message to the head coach and the school.

“First and foremost, I want to thank the Notre Dame community for welcoming me and my family with open arms,” Washington wrote in his statement. “Notre Dame has changed my life and career for the better. There is truly no better environment in the country for a student-athlete to chase greatness in all areas of life- academically, athletically, and spiritually.

“We are forever grateful to the University and the South Bend community, and it will always be a place we call home. I am deeply thankful for Marcus Freeman- your belief, your investment, and your friendship.”

Washington’s departure marking the third defensive assistant to leave Notre Dame this offseason. His departure is a big blow for Freeman, as he led the Irish to rank first in interceptions (21) in 2025 while also being fourth in turnover margin (1.08) and ninth in team sacks (2.92).