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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Mazda
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

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

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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

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Notre Dame recruiting is already heating up for the 2027 class, and the Irish are at a critical point in building the next phase of their roster. Tyler Wojciak breaks down Notre Dame’s biggest recruiting needs for the 2027 cycle, ranking every position group from most important to least and explaining why each one lands where it does. From quarterback and defensive line to wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line, this episode dives into how roster math, development timelines, and recruiting strategy will shape Notre Dame’s future. Tyler also explains how many players Notre Dame is likely to take at each position, what traits the staff is prioritizing, and why this stretch of the recruiting calendar is so important for building momentum heading into the spring and summer.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:16) - Most Important

(12:39) - Middle Tier

(25:16) - Rounding out the Class

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

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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.

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FanDuel
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Notre Dame’s offseason has been anything but quiet. Tyler Wojciak and Luke Smith dive into the biggest storylines surrounding the Irish, including Marcus Freeman’s decision to stay at Notre Dame, how the program handled the announcement, the transfer portal strategy and what it says about the future, staff changes like the departure of Mike Mickens and the addition of Charlie Partridge, and what Indiana’s national championship run means for the College Football Playoff moving forward. Tyler and Luke ahead to what matters most for Notre Dame entering the next phase of the offseason, plus a quick check-in on the state of the men’s basketball program.

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

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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.

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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.

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Notre Dame is facing major change on the defensive side of the ball as Mike Mickens leaves for the NFL, and the ripple effects could shape the program’s future. In this episode of Locked On Irish, host Tyler Wojciak is joined by Jamie Uyeyama of Irish Sports Daily to break down what Mickens’ departure means, how difficult he’ll be to replace, and what Notre Dame should be looking for in its next defensive backs coach. The conversation also dives into the hiring of new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, why he’s so highly regarded across college football, and how his arrival could elevate Notre Dame’s defense in 2026. Jamie shares insight on potential coaching candidates, schematic impact, and the overall ceiling of this defense as the Irish gear up for another national title push.

(0:00) - Intro

(1:51) - Mike Mickens Leaving for NFL

(14:19) - Potential Candidates

(28:06) - Charlie Partridge’s Impact

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

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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.

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Rocket Money

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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.

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Notre Dame loses DB coach Mike Mickens to the Baltimore Ravens. Anyone else Marcus Freeman could lose at this point? The CFB Playoff format won't change with a small adjustment and fans outside of Notre Dame are not thrilled...

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Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONfor $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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Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule is officially out, and the reaction around college football has been loud — and in some cases, wildly overblown. Tyler Wojciak breaks down the Irish schedule release, reacts to the College Football Playoff staying at 12 teams, and explains why the outrage over Notre Dame’s automatic bid is completely misguided. Plus, with Vegas installing Notre Dame as the national championship favorite, Tyler looks at what that says about expectations for the program and why the pressure on the Irish is officially on heading into 2026.

(0:00) - Intro

(2:09) - 2026 Schedule Release

(11:56) - CFP Update/MOU Outrage

(24:57) - National Title Favorites

Follow Tyler on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TylerWojciak

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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

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.

Rocket Money

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON

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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