The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have cemented themselves at the top of the college football landscape under head coach Marcus Freeman.
In Freeman’s third year with the program, he led the Fighting Irish to a 14-2 record, ending the season as the national title runner-up to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Following a relatively successful season for Notre Dame, defensive coordinator Al Golden was hired by the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.
On Wednesday, the Fighting Irish announced Golden’s replacement. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Notre Dame agreed to hire Chris Ash as its newest defensive coordinator.
After the news about Ash’s hiring was revealed, college football writer Matt Fortuna mentioned that Notre Dame defensive backs coach Mike Mickens is expected to stay with the Fighting Irish.
Mickens was a candidate for the team’s defensive coordinator position, but the Fighting Irish decided to hire a fresh face.
Mickens has been the cornerbacks coach at Notre Dame since 2020. He has extensive experience at the position, holding the same role at Cincinnati from 2018-19, Bowling Green from 2014-17 and Idaho in 2013.
During the Fighting Irish’s run to the national title game of the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame allowed 15.5 points per game (No. 3 in the nation) and 307.8 yards per game (No. 10 in the nation).