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Notre Dame Loses Longtime Strength Coach to Philadelphia Eagles
Fred Hale, a key member of the Fighting Irish's strength and conditioning staff, departs for the NFL.
Published on Feb. 19, 2026
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Notre Dame is losing a longtime member of its strength and conditioning staff, as Fred Hale has been hired by the Philadelphia Eagles. Hale served as the associate director of football strength and conditioning for the Fighting Irish, filling in as the interim head of the program in 2023 after the previous director unexpectedly resigned. Though Notre Dame was able to retain other key staff members this offseason, the departure of Hale represents a significant loss for the program's strength and conditioning operations.
Why it matters
Strength and conditioning is a critical component of a successful college football program, and Hale was a key figure in that area for Notre Dame over the past several years. His departure represents a challenge for the Fighting Irish as they look to maintain their physical development and performance edge heading into the 2026 season.
The details
Fred Hale arrived at Notre Dame in 2021 alongside current head coach Marcus Freeman. He held the title of associate director of football strength and conditioning, essentially serving as the No. 2 staffer in charge of the program's weight room and workout operations. In 2023, Hale filled in as the interim head of the strength and conditioning program for the entire season after the previous director, Matt Balis, unexpectedly resigned. Though Notre Dame ultimately hired Loren Landow to lead the program, Hale was viewed as a candidate for the role.
- Hale arrived at Notre Dame in 2021 alongside current head coach Marcus Freeman.
- In 2023, Hale filled in as the interim head of the strength and conditioning program for the entire season after the previous director, Matt Balis, unexpectedly resigned.
- Hale is no longer listed on Notre Dame's official staff directory as of February 2026.
The players
Fred Hale
A longtime member of Notre Dame's strength and conditioning staff, who served as the associate director of football strength and conditioning and filled in as the interim head of the program in 2023.
Marcus Freeman
The current head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.
Matt Balis
The previous director of Notre Dame's strength and conditioning program, who unexpectedly resigned in 2023.
Loren Landow
The current director of Notre Dame's strength and conditioning program, hired in 2023 after Balis' resignation.
Philadelphia Eagles
The NFL team that has hired Fred Hale away from Notre Dame.
What’s next
With spring practice just a month away, Notre Dame will need to quickly integrate Hale's replacement into the strength and conditioning program to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the team's physical development heading into the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The departure of Fred Hale, a longtime and key member of Notre Dame's strength and conditioning staff, represents a significant challenge for the Fighting Irish as they look to maintain their physical edge and development heading into the 2026 season. The program will need to quickly find a capable replacement to fill Hale's role and ensure a seamless transition.
