The Notre Dame football team may not have any more staff openings by the end of the day. The Fighting Irish are expected to hire Brian Jean-Mary to replace the recently departed Al Washington.
The new linebackers coach news comes from multiple sources, and just a day after Marcus Freeman found his new defensive backs and co-defensive coordinator in Aaron Henry. Interestingly, both hires have a background of coaching in Power Conferences, and the Big Ten especially.
Jean-Mary arrives at Notre Dame from Georgia Tech after spending the past two years at Michigan. He previously coached Michigan linebackers during the 2020 season before spending three years at Tennessee (2021–23).
Notre Dame is working to hire Brian Jean-Mary as linebackers coach, sources tell me and @TomLoy247.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 2, 2026
Was Michigan’s LB coach and defensive run game coordinator the last two years. Before that, was LB coach at Tennessee for three years. Has coached double-digit future NFL players. pic.twitter.com/wIvlSjoetr
Brian Jean-Mary’s Michigan and Tennessee résumé explains Notre Dame’s confidence
The newest expected addition to the Irish staff has plenty of bona fides. In 2024, Jean-Mary led a Michigan linebacker unit that was part of the sport's 10th-ranked defense. The Wolverines finished No. 5 nationally against the run, holding eight opponents under 100 rushing yards. Ernest Hausmann earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. Jimmy Rolder also produced the most productive season of his career.
With the Volunteers, Jean-Mary helped the Volunteers rank Top 10 nationally in tackles for loss in all three seasons and Top 10 in sacks once.
With Jean-Mary added to the staff, Marcus Freeman has managed to hire two excellent assistants. Their hires blunt the loss of Mickens, who was considered one of the best secondary coaches and recruiters in the game. Washington, too, was considered a loss Notre Dame had worked hard to avoid until his surprising departure last week for the NFL.