Notre Dame Football 2026: New Coaching Staff Announced!

Bold hires and strategic staff moves signal Notre Dame's championship aspirations for the 2026 season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented college football game, with players and field elements broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.Notre Dame's bold coaching staff overhaul signals their intent to compete for a national championship in 2026, with strategic hires reshaping the program's future.Wake Forest Today

Notre Dame has unveiled a new-look coaching staff for the 2026 football season, bringing in a mix of experienced veterans and rising young talents to lead the Fighting Irish. From linebackers coach Brian Jean-Mary to defensive coordinator Aaron Henry, the lineup of hires is generating buzz across college football. While some additions are on the field, others work behind the scenes, but head coach Marcus Freeman has meticulously assembled a team he believes can deliver a championship.

Why it matters

Notre Dame's coaching staff overhaul signals a renewed commitment to competing at the highest level in 2026. The strategic hires, including poaching talent from rival programs, demonstrate the program's ambition to transform its defense and elevate its recruiting efforts. These moves will shape the trajectory of the Fighting Irish for years to come.

The details

The new Notre Dame coaching staff features several high-profile additions, including Brian Jean-Mary as linebackers coach and run game coordinator, Aaron Henry as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, and Charlie Partridge as defensive line coach. Other hires include JeVaughn Codlin returning as safeties coach, Shaun Shivers joining as an assistant wide receivers coach, and Chase Jones coming aboard as a defensive analyst. Behind the scenes, Kerry Sanders takes over as Director of Player Personnel, and DJ Bryant is the new Director of Recruiting Personnel.

  • The new coaching staff was announced on April 11, 2026, just two and a half weeks before spring practices begin.
  • Spring practices for the Notre Dame football team are scheduled to kick off in late April 2026.

The players

Brian Jean-Mary

Experienced linebackers coach and run game coordinator brought in to tighten up Notre Dame's defense.

Aaron Henry

Hired as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, his dual role is already sparking debates about defensive strategy.

Charlie Partridge

Joins as the new defensive line coach, tasked with transforming the line into an unstoppable force.

JeVaughn Codlin

Returns to South Bend as the safeties coach after a brief stint at North Texas, a rehire that's raising eyebrows.

Shaun Shivers

Hired away from Florida State, he'll serve as the assistant wide receivers coach (analyst), adding speed and precision to the playbook.

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What they’re saying

“We must assemble the best possible team, both on and off the field, to achieve our championship goals in 2026.”

— Marcus Freeman, Head Coach, Notre Dame Football

“These hires demonstrate Notre Dame's commitment to excellence and their determination to dominate the college football landscape.”

— Brian Kelly, Former Notre Dame Head Coach

What’s next

The Notre Dame coaching staff will lead the team through spring practices starting in late April, with the first game of the 2026 season scheduled for September 5th.

The takeaway

Notre Dame's bold coaching staff overhaul signals their intent to compete for a national championship in 2026. The strategic hires, both on the field and behind the scenes, highlight the program's commitment to elevating every aspect of the team. While the new faces may raise some eyebrows, head coach Marcus Freeman and his trusted assistants have a clear vision for the Fighting Irish's future success.