Marcello’s Mailbag: What will Notre Dame’s defense look like under new coordinator Chris Ash?
When Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame, brought in Chris Ash to replace Al Golden as the team’s defensive coordinator, it marked a major shift in the defensive philosophy of one of college football’s most storied programs. Ash, a seasoned coach with experience both as a defensive coordinator and head coach, is tasked with taking Notre Dame’s defense to the next level, especially as the program looks to compete for national titles in the coming years. With Ash at the helm, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his defensive scheme will take shape and how it will impact Notre Dame’s game plans and performance on the field.
In this mailbag edition, we’ll dive into what Notre Dame’s defense is expected to look like under Ash, including his background, coaching style, defensive scheme, and how the personnel fits into his system. We’ll also take a look at the key players and areas of focus that could define the Irish’s defensive success in 2025 and beyond.
The Chris Ash Background: Experience and Philosophy
Before discussing what Notre Dame’s defense will look like under Ash, it’s important to understand the coach’s background and how his previous experience will influence his approach to defense. Ash has been in the coaching game for over two decades, with experience in both the Big Ten and SEC. He’s worked as a defensive coordinator at multiple programs, including Ohio State, Arkansas, and most recently, Texas, where he served as the defensive coordinator for two seasons before joining Notre Dame. He also spent time as the head coach at Rutgers, though his tenure there ended on a less-than-ideal note.
What stands out most about Ash is his defensive philosophy. Known for his aggressive, attacking approach, Ash is a coach who believes in disrupting offenses and creating chaos. His defensive scheme typically revolves around being aggressive at the line of scrimmage and using a variety of front-seven alignments to keep offenses guessing. He’s not afraid to mix up blitzes and coverage schemes to apply pressure to quarterbacks and force turnovers.
At Ohio State, Ash was a key figure in the team’s defense during their national championship run in 2014. His work with the Buckeyes helped lay the foundation for his reputation as a defensive mind capable of developing elite players and executing a complex yet effective defense. With Notre Dame, Ash will look to implement a similar attacking style, focusing on creating havoc in the backfield while maintaining strong coverage on the back end.
The Defensive Scheme: What to Expect
Under Chris Ash, Notre Dame’s defense is expected to feature a base 4-3 alignment, which is a slight shift from the 3-4 hybrid look that Al Golden utilized during his time as defensive coordinator. A 4-3 alignment typically includes four defensive linemen and three linebackers, which allows Ash to be more flexible with his front seven and create more opportunities for pressure on the quarterback.
However, Ash is known for his ability to adapt to his personnel, so while the base scheme will likely be 4-3, fans can expect to see a variety of looks depending on the situation. One of Ash’s trademarks is his use of multiple fronts and alignments, which can confuse offensive lines and give defensive players a better chance to make plays. He’s not married to a single defensive formation; rather, he’ll play to the strengths of his players and make in-game adjustments based on what the opposing offense is doing.
One key element of Ash’s defense is his emphasis on versatility in the secondary. At Texas, he worked with a group of defensive backs that were able to play multiple roles, including cornerbacks who could press, safeties who could drop down into the box to help stop the run, and nickelbacks who could cover slot receivers or rush the passer. This versatility is expected to be a hallmark of the Notre Dame defense as well.
Ash’s defenses tend to be aggressive in terms of coverage as well. While he employs a mix of man and zone coverage, he’s not afraid to send his defensive backs on blitzes, especially when paired with an aggressive pass rush. This is designed to pressure quarterbacks into making quick decisions, leading to more forced throws and turnovers. Expect to see more stunts, twists, and a variety of blitzes from Notre Dame’s defense under Ash—an approach designed to keep offenses on their toes.
The Personnel: Who Fits Chris Ash’s System?
While scheme is important, a defensive coordinator’s success often boils down to the personnel at his disposal. Fortunately for Ash, Notre Dame boasts a deep and talented defense that should align well with his system. Let’s take a look at some of the key players who will likely be crucial to the success of the defense under Ash.
Defensive Line: Power and Disruption
The strength of Notre Dame’s defense in 2025 is likely to be its defensive line, which has the potential to be one of the best in the nation. Ash’s defense is predicated on generating pressure up front, and with players like defensive ends Jayson Ademilola and Isaiah Foskey, the Irish have the kind of edge rushers who can wreak havoc in the backfield.
Foskey, in particular, is expected to be one of the top pass rushers in college football. His length and quickness make him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles, and he will be a key player in Ash’s scheme. Whether lining up as a defensive end in the 4-3 or standing up as a pass-rushing outside linebacker in some packages, Foskey’s ability to generate pressure will be critical for the Irish’s defensive success.
In the interior of the defensive line, players like Howard Cross and Rylie Mills will need to be disruptive in both the pass and run game. With Ash’s emphasis on defensive line play, these players will be expected to not only occupy blockers but also penetrate into the backfield and create pressure on quarterbacks.
Linebackers: Versatility and Aggression
The linebacker corps under Ash will also be critical to the defense’s success. With Ash’s emphasis on versatility, the linebackers will be asked to wear many hats, from rushing the passer to dropping into coverage and stopping the run. One player to watch in this role is Jack Kiser, who has the speed and football IQ to be a key playmaker in multiple facets of the game.
Another player to keep an eye on is Marist Liufau, a linebacker who can move sideline to sideline and has the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game. Liufau’s ability to cover ground quickly will be a key asset in Ash’s system, especially given how much the coordinator likes to ask his linebackers to cover different zones and responsibilities.
Secondary: Aggressive Coverage and Turnovers
The secondary is where Ash’s aggressive style could really shine. With cornerbacks like Clarence Lewis and Benjamin Morrison, who are capable of playing physical, man-to-man coverage, Notre Dame has the talent to lock down receivers on the outside. Expect Ash to frequently deploy press coverage, challenging opposing quarterbacks to throw into tight windows while allowing his defensive line to generate pressure on the quarterback.
At safety, the Irish have a talented pair in Brandon Joseph and Xavier Watts, both of whom are capable of playing multiple roles. Joseph, in particular, is known for his ball-hawking skills and will be an asset to Ash’s defense as a player who can help create turnovers. Watts, with his versatility, can also play near the line of scrimmage or drop into deep coverage, providing Ash with additional flexibility in his coverage schemes.
Key Areas of Focus
While the talent is in place for Ash to execute his aggressive defense, there are a few key areas that will need to be addressed for Notre Dame to reach its full potential:
- Defensive Line Depth: While the starting defensive line is talented, Ash will need to develop depth along the line to ensure consistent pressure throughout the game. Rotating players in and out to keep fresh legs on the field will be crucial, especially in the later stages of games.
- Consistency in Coverage: Ash’s defense relies on tight coverage and forcing quarterbacks to make quick decisions. Notre Dame’s secondary will need to step up and remain disciplined in their coverage assignments to avoid big plays.
- Tackling in Space: With Ash’s aggressive style, tackling in space will be critical. The linebackers and defensive backs will need to be sound tacklers, particularly against mobile quarterbacks and elusive running backs. Under Chris Ash, Notre Dame’s defense will be marked by an aggressive, attacking style designed to create chaos and force turnovers. The combination of a strong defensive line, versatile linebackers, and a secondary capable of both pressuring quarterbacks and covering receivers will give Ash the tools he needs to implement his system effectively.
While there are areas to address, particularly in terms of depth and consistency, Notre Dame’s defense in 2025 looks poised to be one of the most dynamic and disruptive units in college football. Ash’s ability to adapt to his personnel and mix up his defensive looks will make the Irish defense difficult to predict, keeping opposing offenses on their heels.
For Irish fans, the future of the defense looks promising under Chris Ash’s guidance, as Notre Dame looks to build on its tradition of defensive excellence and take the next step toward a national championship.
