Not much has gone right for the Notre Dame football team to start the season. After a 0-2 start, the defense has been the biggest culprit, and fans are already calling for new coordinator Chris Ash's head. There's also quite a bit of anger directed at head coach Marcus Freeman because he's defended Ash even after his unit gave up 41 points to Texas A&M. However, Freeman's latest press conference made it clear that he understands he has a Chris Ash problem. Even if he won't admit it.
Unsurprisingly, the defense was a major focus on Monday afternoon. While some fans took Freeman's comments once again defending the scheme as making excuses for Ash, it's clear he's not happy with the result.
In fact, Freeman said something during his press conference that should have raised eyebrows far more than it did. The Notre Dame head coach said he might be taking a bigger role in the defensive playcalling and scheming than he has so far. Two games into his coordinator's first season, that's a massive sign that he's got a bit of buyer's remorse.
Marcus Freeman may intervene in Notre Dame football defensive playcalling
Freeman has a history as a successful defensive coordinator. It was the thing that got him the Fighting Irish job in the first place.
However, when Al Golden was calling the defense in South Bend, there was never really talk about Freeman getting involved. He stayed the "big picture" guy who knew what was going on with the defense but stayed out of his coordinator's way.
When he was asked about spending more time with the defense, he replied, "As a leader, it's important to wear the hat that's necessary at that moment." He later added, "Maybe. If that's what's necessary, I will."
In another part of the press conference, Freeman made it clear that while he thinks it's execution, that doesn't mean the honus isn't on Ash.
"If we’re asking them to do things they can't execute, then we have to evaluate what we’re asking them to do."
Being 0-2 is a culprit, but when a head coach is talking about taking away duties or "helping" someone who was just hired, it's not a good sign for the coordinator. Marcus Freeman knows Chris Ash isn't producing like the Notre Dame football program hoped he would. That's actually a good sign from the outside looking in, as long as he's willing to fix the situation.