Notre Dame football is reshaping its defensive coaching staff with major hires, key departures, and lingering questions about whether the staff is truly finalized heading into the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why the hires of Aaron Henry and Brian Jean Mary are strong long-term fits, how Marcus Freeman continues to attract top coaching talent, and whether more movement could still be coming with interest in Marty Biagi and Loren Landow, while assessing where this Notre Dame staff stands as a whole moving forward.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:05) - Aaron Henry Hired as DB Coach

(14:47) - Brian Jean-Mary Hired as LB Coach

(25:46-) - More Staff Moves?

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Will Marcus Freeman leave no doubt in 2026 and take Notre Dame back to the National Championship game? Is Miami the game of the year? Bold take about the Irish's future in the ACC from the Athletic, a few coaching staff changes and more on this episode of The Irish Squad Show!

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Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.
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Notre Dame football is undergoing major defensive coaching changes as Al Washington departs for the NFL, Mike Mickens moves on, and Marcus Freeman reshapes the Irish defensive staff ahead of the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why this coaching turnover isn’t a cause for panic, who the top candidates are to replace Mickens, why Jay Valai stands out, and how Notre Dame’s linebacker and secondary rooms are positioned moving forward. Tyler also dives into Keon Keeley’s ceiling, which freshmen could play early, and answers fan questions about quarterback pressure, CJ Carr’s future, and what’s next for the Irish defense.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:02) - Al Washington Leaves for NFL

(12:12) - Staff Shakeup, Potential Candidates

(22:42) - Predictions & Hypotheticals

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Mazda

Like our players, we’re driven by the details. Because highlights make the reel. What it takes to get there makes it count.

There’s more to a Mazda. Because there’s more to you.

Turbo Tax

For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.

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FanDuel
If you’re a new customer, bet just $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets if you win. Make it count — because after the Super Bowl, the season is over. Last call for football on FanDuel, an Official Sportsbook Partner of Super Bowl Sixty.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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