Report: Notre Dame hiring Chris Ash as defensive coordinator

Notre Dame is finalizing a deal to hire former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash as its defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Ash will replace Al Golden, who joined the Cincinnati Bengals following the conclusion of the Fighting Irish's College Football Playoff run.

Ash has been in the NFL since 2021, most recently working as a scout for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024.

The 51-year-old brings extensive experience as a defensive play-caller to Notre Dame after stints with Wisconsin (2011-12), Arkansas (2013), and Ohio State (2014-15).

Ash was the head coach at Rutger from 2016-19, finishing with an 8-32 record.

Notre Dame will attempt to build on a strong 2024 campaign, in which the program lost in the CFP National Championship and finished with a 14-2 record. The school ranked tied for fourth in the FBS in scoring defense, allowing 15.5 points, and 11th in total defense, giving up 307.4 yards per contest.

The Fighting Irish are expected to return a talented core next season, which includes linebacker Drayk Bowen and Jaiden Ausberry.