There was a time this winter when concerns arose that Mike Mickens was on his way out of South Bend. The Notre Dame football team was able to keep him in the fold, even if he didn't get the defensive coordinator position when Al Golden left. It turns out that was the easiest and best move Marcus Freeman made this year. It may be the best move he's made in his career.
Not only did Mickens stick around, but he continued to exert his influence over a recruiting run that started in December and just kept on going. The Irish have had the kind of recruiting results that Notre Dame has rarely seen. A significant part of that success stems from the defensive backfield.
Notre Dame football DB coach Mike Mickens delivers five-man secondary haul for 2026
A five-man defensive back haul with Joey O'Brien, Khary Adams, Ayden Pouncey, Chaston Smith and now Nick Reddish in incredibly impressive for the Notre Dame football team. It's even more impressive considering the odds that all or most will turn into top producers for the Fighting Irish as soon as next year.
Xavier Watts is always the end goal. However, Leonard Moore is a more direct example of players who can compete for jobs and make an immediate impact. Considering that quintet of potential stars that Mickens helped haul in for the Irish, it's not out of the realm of possibility that one of them could be starting or seeing significant playing time in 2026.
Mike Mickens won't be with the Notre Dame football team forever. Marcus Freeman has said himself that his secondary coach will lead a program soon. Until that day happens, Fighting Irish fans can enjoy what he's doing in the here and now.