Instead of a new linebackers coach, Notre Dame will now need to find a new defensive line coach.
The departure of Notre Dame linebackers coach, Max Bullough, created a big opening in the Irish staff at a position that is still loaded for the 2026 football season. Notre Dame is choosing to fill that role with an inside hire — irish defensive line coach, Al Washington.
There were reports last month that both Washington and Boston College were interested in the open defensive coordinator job in Chesnut Hill, but that’s not what ended up happening.
Before coming to Notre Dame as the defensive line coach, Washington coached linebackers at Ohio State from 2019-2021, Michigan in 2018, and Elon in 2011. This move is widely seen as a way to to help strengthen the Irish staff and to pad Washington’s resume for a potential defensive coordinator position elsewhere in the future.
Now the Irish will be in the hunt for a new defensive line coach for its upcoming 2026 season.
Category: General Sports
