Notre Dame Football Coaching Changes: Al Washington Takes Over as Linebackers Coach

Notre Dame football has officially appointed Al Washington as the new linebackers coach following the departure of Max Bullough, who left to become co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Michigan State. Washington, who previously served as the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator for the Fighting Irish, will transition to this new role effective immediately. This marks Washington's third stint coaching linebackers, having previously held positions at Elon (2011), Michigan (2018), and Ohio State (2019-2021).

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Washington's coaching career spans 19 years, during which he has developed a reputation for nurturing talent at various defensive positions. At Michigan, he was instrumental in the development of Devin Bush, who earned accolades such as Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and Consensus All-American. His tenure at Ohio State also saw him coach multiple All-Conference selections, including Tuf Borland and Pete Werner, the latter being a Butkus Award semifinalist in 2020. Washington's experience is expected to enhance Notre Dame's already strong linebacking corps, which includes returning players like Drayk Bowen and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa.

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The move to linebackers is seen as a strategic decision for both Washington and Notre Dame. For Washington, it provides an opportunity to further his coaching career, potentially positioning him for future roles as a defensive coordinator or head coach. For Notre Dame, the transition allows for continuity within the coaching staff, as Washington is already familiar with several current players. The Fighting Irish's defense, which ranked seventh nationally in run-defense efficiency in 2025, is poised to benefit from Washington's expertise.

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With Washington's reassignment, Notre Dame has also moved quickly to fill the vacancy left in the defensive line coaching position. Charlie Partridge, formerly with the Indianapolis Colts, is expected to take over as the new defensive line coach. Partridge brings extensive collegiate coaching experience, having previously served in various roles at Florida Atlantic, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, and Arkansas. His hiring is part of head coach Marcus Freeman's ongoing efforts to strengthen the coaching staff.

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Washington's promotion is not only a reflection of his capabilities but also a sign of Notre Dame's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in college football. The Fighting Irish are optimistic about retaining key players for the upcoming season, including Bowen and Viliamu-Asa, which could further enhance the effectiveness of the linebacking unit under Washington's guidance. As the program prepares for the 2026 season, the coaching changes are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the team's performance.

Sources: Notre Dame makes key move with Al Washington

Marcus Freeman expressed confidence in Washington's ability to lead the linebackers, highlighting his previous successes and familiarity with the players. The coaching staff's restructuring is viewed as a proactive measure to ensure that Notre Dame remains competitive in the evolving landscape of college football.

Sources: Notre Dame makes key move with Al Washington

As Notre Dame prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on integrating Washington into his new role and ensuring a smooth transition for Partridge into the defensive line position. The program is also expected to continue its recruitment efforts to bolster both the defensive line and linebacker positions.

South Bend Tribune