Notre Dame Football: Detailing some defensive coordinator targets
By Andrew Hall
A decision on who the next Notre Dame football defensive coordinator should come within the next two weeks.
Ultimately, preventing the other team from scoring remains the overarching goal. Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi averaged 23.3 points per contest in his three-year stint with Golden Gophers. Tim Lukabu, Boston College defensive coordinator, coached the Eagles to 28.4 and 22.2 points allowed per game in 2020 and 2021 respectfully.
During his time as a college defensive coordinator, Al Golden coached the Virginia Cavaliers to an average of 22.76 points per contest from 2001 to 2005. Chris Ash, in four different stops, yielded on average 23.8 points per game.
Only two candidates possess previous coaching experience: former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash and former Temple and Miami (FL) head coach Al Golden. Obviously, revealed by their availability for a defensive coordinator position, their success as head coaches was limited. Ash went 8-33 in four years as the Scarlet Knights leader. Golden led the Owls and Hurricanes to 27-34 and 32-35 respectively.
Ash and Golden’s resumes feature NFL experience as well. Ash most recently joined Urban Meyer’s doomed staff in Jacksonville as the safeties coach. Golden is currently coaching the Cincinnati Bengals linebackers in the Super Bowl.
In reviewing the criteria, Al Golden stands out as the leader. Golden used a 3-4 while at Virginia but also utilized a 4-3 when he was head coach of Temple and Miami (FL). Freeman wants the current defensive structure to stay in place. Whoever lands the position must adapt to the program instead of the players adapting to the new coordinator. Golden previously was a head coach and coordinator quality defenses at Virginia. The current delay might be an indication that Golden is the top candidate.