Chris Ash Considered for Defensive Coordinator Role at Notre Dame Football: A Deep Dive into His Coaching Journey
In the ever-evolving world of college football, coaching hires and changes can send ripples through the landscape of programs. One of the latest developments in this realm is the reported consideration of Chris Ash, former Rutgers head coach and a coach with a strong defensive background, for the defensive coordinator position at Notre Dame. If confirmed, Ash’s potential hiring represents a significant step for both his career and the future of Notre Dame football. Let’s take a detailed look at Chris Ash’s coaching history, his impact on defensive strategies, and how his experience could help shape the future of Notre Dame’s defense.
Chris Ash’s Coaching Background
Chris Ash’s name is well-known in coaching circles for his time as a defensive coordinator and head coach at various prominent college football programs. His career has spanned numerous prestigious institutions, where he has had a direct influence on the development of some of the nation’s top defenses. Before getting to his time at Rutgers, Ash built a reputation as a defensive mastermind, developing systems that capitalized on defensive aggressiveness and versatility.
Defensive Success at Wisconsin and Ohio State
Ash’s journey in college football began at the University of Wisconsin, where he served as the defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator. His impact was immediate. Under Ash’s leadership, Wisconsin’s defense became one of the most stingy in the nation, particularly against the run. His schemes focused on solid fundamentals, tackling, and forcing turnovers, all of which helped Wisconsin maintain a consistently strong defense.
Following his success at Wisconsin, Ash moved on to Ohio State University in 2014, where he continued his role as a defensive coordinator under head coach Urban Meyer. At Ohio State, Ash’s defenses flourished, with the Buckeyes consistently ranking among the top defensive teams in the country. Ash played a significant role in Ohio State’s 2014 National Championship win, where his defensive schemes helped neutralize high-powered offenses.
Ash’s ability to develop elite defensive units caught the attention of many programs across the country. His tenure at Ohio State solidified his reputation as one of the premier defensive minds in college football. This reputation would eventually lead to his first head coaching opportunity at Rutgers.
Ash’s Tenure at Rutgers
In 2016, Chris Ash took over as head coach at Rutgers University, an opportunity that marked a new chapter in his career. At Rutgers, Ash inherited a program that had been struggling for years. The Scarlet Knights had not found sustained success in the Big Ten, and Ash’s task was to rebuild the program and implement a new culture of toughness and discipline.
Despite the challenges, Ash showed promise in his first few years at Rutgers. He continued to coach defense with a strong focus on creating turnover-heavy units, which he had done so successfully at his previous stops. However, while Ash managed to improve Rutgers defensively, his tenure as head coach was marred by inconsistency. His teams struggled with offensive production, and despite his best efforts on the defensive side of the ball, Ash was ultimately let go as head coach following a 1-11 season in 2019.
While his time as Rutgers’ head coach was far from ideal, Ash’s defense remained the highlight of his tenure. This experience, coupled with his defensive prowess from earlier years, makes Ash an intriguing option for Notre Dame.
A Return to the Coordinator Role
After his stint as head coach at Rutgers, Chris Ash returned to his roots as a defensive coordinator. In 2019, he joined the University of Texas as the defensive coordinator under head coach Tom Herman. Ash’s tenure at Texas was viewed as a critical opportunity for redemption. Texas had a storied football program, but their defense was often inconsistent, especially in crucial matchups. Ash’s task was clear: restore the defense to its former glory and build a unit that could compete at the highest level.
During his time at Texas, Ash’s defense showed significant improvement. Under his leadership, Texas ranked among the top defenses in the Big 12, a conference traditionally known for its high-scoring offenses. The Longhorns’ defense, under Ash’s direction, began to adopt a more aggressive approach, focusing on pressuring the quarterback and forcing turnovers.
Ash’s time at Texas was not without challenges. While the defense improved, Texas as a whole struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball, leading to coaching changes across the staff. Ash’s tenure ended after just one season, but his return to a defensive coordinator role helped reestablish his credibility as a defensive strategist.
Why Notre Dame Could Benefit from Chris Ash
Now, as Notre Dame looks for a defensive coordinator, Chris Ash’s name is back in the mix. Notre Dame football, under head coach Marcus Freeman, has undergone a period of transition. Freeman, a former defensive coordinator himself, has worked to instill his defensive philosophies into the Fighting Irish program, which has had its highs and lows. While the offense under Freeman’s leadership has been dynamic and effective, the defense at Notre Dame has often faced challenges against high-powered offenses, especially in big games.
Freeman has already made significant strides as head coach, but the addition of a veteran defensive mind like Chris Ash could elevate the team’s defensive play to another level. Here’s why Ash would be a strong fit for the job:
Defensive Philosophy
Chris Ash is known for his aggressive defensive schemes, often focusing on creating turnovers and pressuring the quarterback. His approach relies heavily on playing fast, physical football, with an emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage. This style of play could help shore up Notre Dame’s defense, which has sometimes struggled with consistency, especially against fast-paced offenses.
Ash’s defensive units have been known for their versatility, often switching between different fronts and coverages to keep opposing offenses off balance. This adaptability would align well with the evolving nature of college football, where offenses are becoming increasingly dynamic and unpredictable.
Experience in Big Games
One of the primary reasons Chris Ash is being considered for the job is his vast experience in big-time college football programs. Ash has coached at Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Texas, where the pressure is immense, and the competition is fierce. His ability to navigate high-stakes environments, like the Big Ten and the Big 12, positions him well for success at Notre Dame.
Moreover, Ash’s experience in developing defenses that can neutralize elite quarterbacks and high-scoring offenses will be invaluable for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish regularly face some of the best teams in the country, and having someone with Ash’s experience can give them an edge in critical games.
Relationship with Marcus Freeman
Another key factor in Chris Ash’s potential hiring is his relationship with Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s head coach. Freeman, who served as a defensive coordinator before taking over as head coach, understands the importance of having a strong defensive staff. While Freeman has worked diligently to put his defensive stamp on the team, having an experienced defensive coordinator like Ash could free Freeman to focus on other areas, such as managing the overall team and continuing to develop the offense.
Additionally, Ash and Freeman share a mutual respect for each other’s coaching philosophies, and their collaboration could help create a cohesive vision for Notre Dame’s defense. The possibility of a strong working relationship between Freeman and Ash cannot be understated, as it could lead to enhanced communication and an improved defensive unit.
What Chris Ash Could Bring to Notre Dame
If Ash is hired, Notre Dame can expect several key benefits:
- Turnover-Creation: Throughout his career, Ash has emphasized creating turnovers, and his defensive units have consistently ranked among the best in this regard. This style of play would give Notre Dame’s defense a much-needed edge in games where every possession matters.
- Adaptability: Ash’s defensive philosophy revolves around adaptability, and his experience in different conferences and systems makes him adept at adjusting to opposing offenses. This adaptability will allow Notre Dame to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving college football landscape.
- Elite Recruiting: As a well-respected name in coaching, Ash’s hiring could attract top-tier defensive recruits to Notre Dame. His track record at Ohio State and Texas demonstrates his ability to develop and coach elite talent, and his presence could help bolster Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts on the defensive side of the ball.
- Game-Day Strategy: Ash’s experience in big games and high-pressure situations makes him an ideal candidate for a team like Notre Dame, which often faces high-caliber competition. His ability to create defensive schemes that work in critical moments could be the key to winning big games and ultimately competing for a national championship.