Report: Notre Dame to hire Ohio State assistant as next defensive line coach

Notre Dame is set to hire Ohio State linebackers coach Al Washington as its next defensive line coach, according to multiple reports.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who notes that Washington will also serve as Notre Dame’s defensive run game coordinator.

Sources: Notre Dame is hiring Al Washington as the school’s new defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach, sources told ESPN. Washington has coached at Ohio State, Michigan and Boston College in his career.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 16, 2022

Washington replaces Mike Elston, who surprisingly left Notre Dame earlier this week for the defensive line job at Michigan. Elston had been in South Bend since 2010.

Washington brings a wealth of experience that also includes stops at Michigan, Cincinnati and Boston College. He also played collegiately for the Eagles from 2002-05.

Notre Dame is also looking to hire a defensive coordinator to replace Marcus Freeman’s old role. Iowa State’s Jon Heacock was the leading candidate last week, although reports now indicate that he will remain in Ames.

Notre Dame’s defense figures to be good once again in 2022. The Fighting Irish return several top playmakers and have already picked up former All-American safety Brandon Joseph via the transfer portal. Joseph replaces Kyle Hamilton, who is leaving to enter the 2022 NFL Draft.