Marcus Freeman has already replaced offensive coordinator Tommy Rees after Rees left Notre Dame for Alabama this offseason. Unfortunately, Freeman will reportedly have another key piece of his staff to replace.

On Friday, it was reported that 3 Irish assistants were being linked to NFL vacancies coming out of the 2022 season. As of Saturday morning, one of those assistants has accepted a job in the NFL per multiple outlets.

According to John Brice with Football Scoop, special teams coordinator Brian Mason will be named the new special teams coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts under first-year head coach Shane Steichen. Mason reportedly already accepted the offer late Friday night.

According to Brice, Freeman has not been shy about calling Mason the best special teams coach in the country, so there’s no denying Mason’s departure to the NFL is a big loss for the staff.

While Mason might be departing, Brice also reported that Deland McCullough is indeed likely to stay with the Irish despite being a “priority target” for NFL teams. That would be a bright spot for Freeman’s Notre Dame staff this week.