After Al Golden's departure for the Cincinnati Bengals, Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are nearing their new defensive coordinator for the 2025 season, according to reports.

Multiple sources tell FootballScoop that Notre Dame and coach Marcus Freeman are moving closer to a defensive hire to replace Al Golden. And that move is expected to be another coach with previous experience running a program.

Former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash might have an interest in returning to college football and if true, it might take place at the national runner-up. According to Pete Sampson of The Athletic, Ash has emerged as a “strong candidate” to be the next defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame football has wasted little time attempting to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy after losing Al Golden to the NFL. The Irish are eyeing former Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Chris Ash to join head coach Marcus Freeman’s staff as the program attempts to build off its College Football Playoff runner-up finish this season,

The Fighting Irish have been on the lookout for a new defensive coordinator following Golden's move to the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL and appear to be keen on an ex-Rutgers head honcho

It took only a couple of days for the Notre Dame college football team to lose several of their most important pieces to this year's successful season. But few losses loom larger than defensive coordinator Al Golden leaving for the NFL.