Notre Dame Hires Former Wisconsin DB to Join Coaching Staff

Aaron Henry, who helped fuel Illinois' best run ever, will be a co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Fighting Irish.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Aaron Henry, a former standout defensive back and safety for the Wisconsin Badgers, is set to join the coaching staff at Notre Dame. Henry has spent the last three seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Illinois Fighting Illini, helping the team achieve its winningest two-year span in school history. He will now take on the role of co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Fighting Irish.

Why it matters

This is a significant move for Henry, who is leaving his role as defensive coordinator at Illinois to take on a co-coordinator position at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are getting a coach who has proven his ability to build a strong defense, as evidenced by Illinois' success the past two seasons. This hire could help strengthen Notre Dame's defense as they look to compete at the highest level.

The details

Henry played under Bret Bielema at Wisconsin and eventually joined his staff at Illinois in 2021. Over the last three seasons, he has served as the defensive coordinator for the Fighting Illini, helping the team achieve its winningest two-year span in school history. During the 2024-2025 seasons, the Illinois defense ranked 10th in the nation with 15 forced fumbles and tied for fifth in the Big Ten with 24 sacks in conference play.

  • Henry will join the Notre Dame coaching staff for the 2026 season.
  • Notre Dame and Wisconsin are scheduled to open the 2026 football season against each other, meaning Henry will face his former team in his first game with the Fighting Irish.

The players

Aaron Henry

A former standout defensive back and safety for the Wisconsin Badgers, who has spent the last three seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Bret Bielema

The head coach at Illinois, who previously coached Henry at Wisconsin.

Marcus Freeman

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who is bringing Henry on to his coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“Has been a key figure in Illinois posting 19 wins the last two seasons, the winningest two-year run in school history.”

— Matt Zenitz, CBS Sports Reporter (CBS Sports)

What’s next

Notre Dame and Wisconsin are scheduled to open the 2026 football season against each other, so Henry's first game with the Fighting Irish will be against his former team.

The takeaway

This hire represents a significant addition to the Notre Dame coaching staff, as they bring in a defensive coordinator who has helped build one of the top defenses in the Big Ten over the past few seasons. Henry's experience and success at Illinois should help strengthen the Fighting Irish defense as they look to compete at the highest level.