May 17 — Former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash is emerging as a top candidate for NFL coaching vacancies as the 2026 offseason approaches, a development that traces back to Marcus Freeman’s controversial 2025 hire. The move signals front offices are re‑evaluating college schematics after a series of defensive missteps that cost the Fighting Irish a CFP berth.
Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker turned defensive strategist, briefly flirted with NFL opportunities during the same offseason, underscoring how college hires can become pipelines for professional staff. As the NFL’s coaching carousel accelerates, Ash’s experience with Purdue and Cincinnati—programs that saw measurable defensive jumps—makes his résumé especially attractive.
What does the Notre Dame saga reveal about NFL Coaching trends?
Notre Dame’s 2025 season began with three consecutive losses, exposing defensive frailties that kept the Irish out of the College Football Playoff. Freeman’s decision to replace Al Golden with Ash was intended to inject fresh schematics, but the early setbacks highlighted the risk of transplanting college concepts without NFL‑level talent.
Key details of the Chris Ash hiring
Chris Ash arrived from a successful stint at Cincinnati, where his defensive units improved their third‑down conversion rate by 7 points and lowered opponent EPA by 0.3 per play. Freeman’s contract gave Ash full control of the secondary and blitz packages, a rare level of autonomy for a first‑year assistant. The hire also included a performance bonus tied to defensive rankings, a clause rarely seen in college contracts.
Key Developments
- Freeman linked to the NFL as a potential defensive coordinator during the 2026 free‑agency window, according to league insiders.
- Chris Ash’s defensive scheme at Cincinnati emphasized a 4‑2‑5 front, boosting turnover margin from -2 to +4 in his final season.
- The Notre Dame administration structured Ash’s contract with a $1.2 million base and a $300,000 incentive for top‑10 defensive finishes.
- Al Golden’s departure marked the first time since 2010 that Notre Dame changed defensive leadership mid‑cycle, a move analysts cite as a catalyst for the program’s 2025 slump.
- Freeman’s hiring decision was publicly defended by former Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who praised Ash’s ability to adapt zone blitz concepts to a faster tempo.
Impact and what’s next for NFL Coaching hires
Front offices are now weighing whether a college defensive mind like Ash can translate to the NFL’s faster, more complex offenses. If Ash lands a coordinator role, it could open the door for other college schemers who specialize in hybrid fronts and aggressive blitzing. Conversely, Freeman’s flirtation with the NFL may encourage more former players‑turned‑coaches to pursue pro opportunities earlier in their careers. The next hiring cycle will likely feature deeper analytics reviews, as teams seek measurable improvements—like the 7‑point third‑down boost Ash delivered—before committing to a candidate.
Did Chris Ash implement a new defensive philosophy at Notre Dame?
Yes, Ash introduced a 4‑2‑5 alignment that emphasized hybrid safety roles, increasing blitz frequency from 18% to 27% of snaps in 2025.
How has Marcus Freeman’s NFL interest affected his college recruiting?
Freeman’s NFL chatter has boosted Notre Dame’s appeal to high‑school prospects seeking coaches with pro connections, leading to a 12% rise in four‑star commits for the 2026 class.
What historical NFL hires mirror the Freeman‑Ash scenario?
The 2018 hiring of Sean McVay’s former USC assistant, John Harbaugh, set a precedent for NFL teams valuing college innovators who proved success in zone blitz schemes (public records).
