Full Breakdown
Notre Dame Football Welcomes Charlie Partridge as New Defensive Line Coach
1/9/2026, 11:23:27 AM
Coaching Transition and Background
The Notre Dame Football program has officially announced the hiring of Charlie Partridge as the Peter Schivarelli Defensive Line Coach for the 2026 season. This decision follows a restructuring of the coaching staff, which includes the reassignment of Al Washington from defensive line coach to linebackers coach. Partridge's hiring is effective upon the completion of the university's standard employment process.
Partridge brings a wealth of experience to Notre Dame, entering his 29th season in coaching. He most recently served as the defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, where he contributed to a defense that ranked among the top in the NFL for rushing defense and takeaways during his tenure. Prior to his time in the NFL, Partridge spent 26 years in collegiate coaching, including significant roles at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was instrumental in developing several players who went on to achieve All-American status and success in the NFL.
Notable Achievements
During his tenure at Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2023, Partridge coached defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, who earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors and was a unanimous All-American in 2022. Under his guidance, the Panthers ranked in the top five nationally in sacks from 2019 to 2022 and produced multiple NFL draft picks, including Kancey, Patrick Jones II, Rashad Weaver, and Jaylen Twyman.
Partridge's coaching career also includes a successful stint as head coach at Florida Atlantic University from 2014 to 2016, where he led the Owls to notable recruiting successes and developed players who received multiple Conference USA honors. His coaching journey has seen him work with prominent players, including J.J. Watt during his time at the University of Wisconsin.
Official Statements & Responses
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman expressed enthusiasm about Partridge's hiring, stating, “Charlie’s record of developing highly impactful defensive linemen speaks for itself. His experience in both college football and the NFL, as well as his experience working with Chris Ash, will be very beneficial to our program.” Freeman emphasized the importance of Partridge's extensive coaching background and his previous collaborations with Ash, Notre Dame's defensive coordinator.
Criticism & Opposition
While Partridge's hiring has been met with optimism, some analysts have pointed out the challenges he may face in transitioning from the NFL back to college football, particularly in adapting to the dynamics of recruiting and player development at the collegiate level. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of coaching transitions, especially following a season where Notre Dame's defense showed significant improvement under Washington.
What's Next
As Partridge steps into his new role, he will be tasked with enhancing the performance of Notre Dame's defensive line, which has shown promise in recent seasons. The coaching staff will also focus on recruiting efforts to strengthen the defensive line, with ongoing interest in several transfer portal targets, including players previously recruited by Partridge during his time at Pittsburgh.
In summary, Charlie Partridge's extensive coaching experience and proven track record in developing defensive talent position him as a key figure in Notre Dame's efforts to bolster its defensive capabilities in the upcoming season.
