LBs coach Al Washington is leaving to join the Miami Dolphins, reuniting with Jeff Hafley. The move adds to a growing sense of disruption on a defense that Freeman is hoping to keep cohesive.
Washington’s exit comes after a recent position switch intended to stabilize the front seven. He had been moved from the D-line to linebackers following Michigan State’s hiring of Max Bullough as co-defensive coordinator, and Notre Dame had brought in Chris Partridge to handle the D-line. Now, that plan is unsettled as spring practice approaches, with The Independent having floated the possibility of Washington’s departure.
The broader departures continue Notre Dame’s pattern of staff churn. CBs coach Mike Mickens left for the Baltimore Ravens, further thinning the veteran presence on Freeman’s defense.
Adding to the shakeup, On3 has reported that assistant WRs coach Dom Spalding is heading to Michigan State to reunite with his brother, another example of the program’s ongoing turnover.
Taken together, the departures illustrate ongoing turnover around Freeman. If the trend holds, Notre Dame could see new coaches across multiple defensive position groups in 2026, even as Freeman remains in place as head coach.
