Notre Dame Linebackers Focusing on Fundamentals Under New Coach

Brian Jean-Mary emphasizes basics like tackling, coverage, and communication to build a consistent defense

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:34am

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New Notre Dame linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary is taking a back-to-basics approach with the Fighting Irish defense this spring, focusing on fundamentals like tackling, defeating blocks, and proper positioning in coverage. Despite having a veteran group with high expectations, Jean-Mary believes sharpening the details is crucial for the linebackers to reach their full potential and provide consistent production for the defense.

Why it matters

Notre Dame's defense has shown both highs and frustrating lapses in recent seasons, so Jean-Mary's emphasis on consistency through mastering the fundamentals could be the key to the unit taking the next step and becoming an elite group. Building depth through reps for younger players is also a priority to ensure the defense can maintain its level of play throughout the season.

The details

Jean-Mary is having the linebackers work mainly on the basics like defeating blocks, tackling, and being in the right positions in coverage, rather than installing complex schemes or overloading them with new concepts. This approach is intentional, especially with several key contributors limited or out entirely this spring due to injuries. The coach wants to sharpen the details that show up on every snap, from physical execution to mental consistency in communication and alignment.

  • Notre Dame is currently in the midst of spring practices.

The players

Brian Jean-Mary

The new linebackers coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Kynstonn Villamua Asa

A Notre Dame linebacker who is out entirely this spring.

Drayk Bowen

A Notre Dame linebacker who is limited in spring practices due to injury.

Madden Faraimo

A Notre Dame linebacker who is limited in spring practices due to injury.

Kahanu Kia

A Notre Dame linebacker who is limited in spring practices due to injury.

Jaylen Sneed

An experienced Notre Dame linebacker who is being asked to take on more responsibility this spring.

Jaiden Ausberry

An experienced Notre Dame linebacker who is being asked to take on more responsibility this spring.

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What they’re saying

“We're working mainly on fundamentals. Defeating blocks, tackling, being in the right positions in coverage... we want to start on the basics.”

— Brian Jean-Mary, Notre Dame Linebackers Coach

“Very, very talented group. A lot of returning production. You can see the experience and the football knowledge.”

— Brian Jean-Mary, Notre Dame Linebackers Coach

“The fundamental part and the basics of football are what you want to concentrate on a little bit more in the spring.”

— Brian Jean-Mary, Notre Dame Linebackers Coach

“They're having to slide inside and kind of make the calls and get us in the right defenses. It's not as easy as they probably thought, but they're excited about it.”

— Brian Jean-Mary, Notre Dame Linebackers Coach

“When you're dealing with a veteran group that's as talented as these guys are, they appreciate it. It's going to be a little bit more repetitive, but they see themselves getting better.”

— Brian Jean-Mary, Notre Dame Linebackers Coach

What’s next

The Notre Dame linebackers will continue to focus on fundamentals and consistency throughout the remainder of spring practices as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

By emphasizing the basics and building a foundation of sound technique, Notre Dame's new linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary is laying the groundwork for the unit to reach its full potential and provide the consistent, high-level play the defense needs to be an elite group in 2026.