Report: Notre Dame hiring former Ohio State assistant to defensive staff

New Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman continues to round out his coaching staff. According to On3’s Matt Zenitz, Notre Dame will hire Al Washington as defensive line coach. He will also serve as the team’s defensive run game coordinator.

Washington is a former defensive tackle at Boston College from 2002-2005. He has made multiple stops in his coaching career, including NC State, Elon, and Boston College. In the 2017 season, Cincinnati hired Washington as the Bearcats’ defensive line coach. He then spent the 2018 year as Michigan’s linebackers coach before heading to Ohio State in 2019.

In 2019, Washington became Ohio State’s linebackers coach, and he has held that position for the past three seasons. Washington’s departure from Ohio State adds to a number of changes to the Buckeyes’ coaching staff.

Washington takes over after Notre Dame’s previous defensive line coach, Mile Elston, departed to join the Michigan Wolverines’ coaching staff.

Washington stuck at Ohio State this season, but now departs for Notre Dame

Nearly a year ago, Washington was offered the defensive coordinator job at Tennessee, according to Lettermen Row’s Austin Ward. Ultimately, Washington decided to remain with the Buckeyes.

This season, Ohio State’s defense ranked in the bottom half of the Big Ten, allowing 366.6 yards per game. The Buckeyes also allowed 246.9 passing yards per game, which was the third worst total in the Big Ten. Following the season, Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Croombs was not retained. Now, it appears as if Washington will be leaving the Buckeyes as well.

Washington now joins Notre Dame’s staff, one that is looking to build upon a successful season. The Fighting Irish allowed 18.3 points per game this year, which was the ninth best total in the country. Notre Dame also allowed 127.8 rushing yards, 212 passing yards, and 330.8 total yards per game in 2021.

Notre Dame’s previous defensive coordinator, Marcus Freeman, was promoted to the team’s head coach following Brian Kelly’s departure to LSU. The Fighting Irish went 11-2 this season, losing a tight game to Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Washington won’t have to wait long for a return to Ohio State, as Notre Dame will travel to take on the Buckeyes in Week 1 next season.