Notre Dame Football Welcomes Back Energetic Safeties Coach Jevaughn Codlin

Codlin's return to the coaching staff helps ease transition after recent departures on defense.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Jevaughn Codlin has rejoined the Notre Dame football coaching staff as the safeties coach, after a brief stint at North Texas. Codlin, a former defensive back himself, is praised by players for his contagious energy and strong relationships built during the recruiting process. His return helps ease the transition after the departures of defensive pass game coordinator Mike Mickens and the hiring of new co-defensive coordinator Aaron Henry.

Why it matters

Codlin's energy and rapport with players, especially incoming recruits, is seen as a valuable asset for the Notre Dame defense as it navigates changes in the coaching staff. His presence helps provide continuity and stability for the safeties group.

The details

Codlin spent the 2025 season as an analyst working with Notre Dame's defensive line before taking a job at North Texas. However, Irish head coach Marcus Freeman was able to bring him back in mid-February to coach the safeties. Codlin's previous coaching experience includes stints at Emporia State, West Virginia, and a brief time at North Texas. As a player, he was a defensive back at Kansas Wesleyan and later played in the Indoor Football League.

  • Codlin worked as an analyst with Notre Dame's defensive line in 2025.
  • Codlin left Notre Dame to take a job at North Texas in early 2026.
  • Codlin was rehired by Notre Dame in mid-February 2026 to coach the safeties.

The players

Jevaughn Codlin

The new safeties coach at Notre Dame, known for his energetic coaching style and strong relationships with players. He previously worked as an analyst with the Irish in 2025 before taking a job at North Texas, but was brought back in February 2026.

Khary Adams

A freshman cornerback at Notre Dame who credits Codlin's involvement in his recruitment as a key reason he chose to attend the university.

Aaron Henry

The new co-defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, hired after the departure of Mike Mickens.

Ayden Pouncey

A midyear enrollee defensive back at Notre Dame, who was convinced to visit the school after a conversation with Codlin.

Nick Reddish

A freshman safety at Notre Dame who was heavily recruited by Codlin and is excited to have him back on the coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“That's my dog. When I was getting recruited, he was really involved. One of the reasons why I came here is we had a strong relationship.”

— Khary Adams, Freshman Cornerback (Yahoo Sports)

“Just the energy. He brings it every day. He's always trying to meet and get us better.”

— Khary Adams, Freshman Cornerback (Yahoo Sports)

“He had told me, 'I don't know if this is the right decision.' I'm like, 'Coach, we miss you so much. We need you. Everything about you.' The first day back, he felt a little iffy.”

— Nick Reddish, Freshman Safety (Yahoo Sports)

“Contagious. That's the biggest word. It's contagious. If you feel somebody's energy, you know you have to step it up. You just have to keep it going.”

— Nick Reddish, Freshman Safety (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Codlin's return to the Notre Dame coaching staff will be crucial as the team prepares for the upcoming 2026 season and navigates changes on the defensive side of the ball.

The takeaway

Jevaughn Codlin's energetic coaching style and strong relationships with players, especially incoming recruits, make him a valuable asset for the Notre Dame football program as it looks to build on its recent success and maintain continuity on defense.