Al Golden officially departed from Notre Dame football yesterday afternoon, as he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals to become their new defensive coordinator.
Golden returned to the Bengals, as he was their linebackers coach for two years back in 2020 and 2021. So, with this heartbreaking news means Marcus Freeman is officially searching for his next DC and their is a lot t stake as this Notre Dame defense was top five in the nation and a pivotal reason they made it to the n\National Championship.
Freeman’s defense led the nation in multiple stats and the culture that has been built is a big role on who he will hire next. Irish gave up just 15.5 points per game, which ranked fifth in the country, 169.4 passing yards per game, which ranked fourth in the nation, and 307 total yards in the country, which ranked 11th.
Irish have some options externally, but fans and media think the best option for Marcus Freeman and his elite defense could be a coach from the program already. So, here are the top five defensive coordinator candidates for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame football.
5 names Notre Dame football must target for defensive coordinator
Tyson Veidt
Tyson Veidt is currently the Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator, but as of recent Notre Dame has grabbed their DC from the Bearcats. This is a shot in the dark here, but Freeman coached at Cincinnati before becoming the Irish DC, and he could try and grab his formers team current DC. Veidt was with Iowa State before Cincinnati and allowed just 5.1 yards per play at his time which is top 10 in the nation for fewest yards per play. This is a long shot, but Marcus Freeman, Brian Kelley, and Mike Mickens came from Cincinnati, so why not try Veidt.
Al Washington
Al Washington is Notre Dame football Defensive Line Coach and Defensive Run Game Coordinator. Washington has helped lead this Notre Dame front to being one of the most lethal and dominant front in the nation. He also has much depth on the line as Notre Dame lost multiple starters, but next man up mentality showed. Washington helped this Irish rushing defense be one of the best in the nation and it is one of their key reasons for reaching the National Championship.
Notre Dame front line was lethal all season long and demonstrated their dominance in their deep playoff run. Washington deserves credit for the defensive front, and the stats that went with it. Washington coached the Irish to having 40 sacks on the year and produced multiple NFL talent.
Bryant Haines
Worth a shot to swing for the fences, as Curt Cignetti, Defensive Coordinator, Bryant Haines, was a 2023 Broyles Award semifinalist and helped lead the Indiana Hoosiers to the College Football Playoffs. Haines led the Hoosiers to have one of the best rushing defenses in College Football this past year, and before Indiana he was at JMU where the Dukes were nationally a top ten defense.
It would be an easy transition for Haines as he would just have to pack up and move to South Bend, and would now become Indiana bigger brother Defensive Coordinator.
Chris Marve
Chris Marve was recently let go from Virginia Tech after his three seasons. Marve led an impressive defense to being ranked top 20 in 2023 and was ranked the second best defense in the ACC. His defense had 39 sacks which was second most in the nation and the highest in the ACC. Before VT he was Florida State linebacker coach and was the defensive run game coordinator for two seasons.
Mike Mickens
The most likely candidate for the Irish, as hiring from with in may be the best option, especially with Mike Mickens. Mickens is currently the Defensive Backs Coach and the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator. Mickens came from Cincinnati like many previous coaches for the Irish. Mickens leading the charge of the d-backs helped the Irish lead the nation in pass completion against them since 2023 at 51%. The Irish led up the fifth least number of touchdowns in 2024 season and their ability to lock down the passing game was vital, especially considering that Notre Dame only gave up the fourth fewest passing yards per game in the country at 169.4.
The Irish defense was tied for the 11th least amount of total yards allowed at just 307 yards per game. Notre Dame defense had the best turnover ratio in the country, as Mickens defensive backs are known to create chaos for the opposing offenses and is providing the Irish offense with extra opportunities. Mike Mickens was also a finalist for Defensive Back Coach of the Year and has been a major piece in Irish recruiting.
Irish will have some time to pin point their DC, but Mickens could be their guy, as he knows the system, has recruited well, and the players seem to support and believe in him. It is uncertain who Notre Dame DC will be next, but fans love the production Mickens has displayed, but if Irish can steal someone from another team, it is definitley worth a gamble.
