Aaron Henry is stepping into a dream scenario in South Bend - and a high-pressure one. Notre Dame’s new defensive backs coach inherits what might be the most talented and deepest secondary in college football heading into 2026. With elite returning starters, a wave of promising young talent, and sky-high expectations, the Florida native has all the tools - and all the responsibility - to keep the Irish defense among the nation’s best.
A Coaching Carousel and a Key Hire
Notre Dame’s defensive staff has been through some serious turnover over the past two offseasons. After the 2024 campaign, defensive coordinator Al Golden departed for the NFL, taking the same position with the Cincinnati Bengals.
That led to the hiring of Chris Ash, who weathered a rocky start but ultimately righted the ship. By the end of 2025, Ash had the Irish playing elite-level defense.
Then came another wave of exits. This offseason, Notre Dame lost all three of its key defensive position coaches: Al Washington to the Miami Dolphins, Mike Mickens to the Baltimore Ravens, and Max Bullough to Michigan State, where he returns as co-defensive coordinator. That left head coach Marcus Freeman and Ash with some big shoes to fill - none bigger than Mickens’, who built a reputation as one of the top defensive backs coaches in the country.
Enter Aaron Henry.
Henry arrives from Illinois, where he served as defensive coordinator after spending two seasons coaching the secondary. During his time in Champaign, the Illini won 19 games across two seasons - the best stretch in program history - with Henry’s defense playing a major role. Now, he takes over a unit at Notre Dame that’s already loaded with talent and experience.
The Best Secondary in the Country?
That’s not hyperbole. Notre Dame finished the 2025 regular season ranked fourth nationally in interceptions, and the secondary was a driving force behind the defense’s late-season surge.
Even more impressive? Every starter in the defensive backfield is returning in 2026.
That includes both starting corners and both starting safeties - a rare level of continuity in today’s college football landscape.
At corner, Leonard Moore is back for what’s expected to be his final season in South Bend. The unanimous All-American is a lockdown presence on the boundary and a true difference-maker.
On the other side, Christian Gray returns and could be shifting to nickel - a move that was already in motion under Mickens and now falls under Henry’s watch. Gray’s versatility and experience make him a strong fit for the role.
Behind them, the depth chart is stacked. Michigan transfer Jayden Sanders joins the mix, while returners Dallas Golden and Mark Zackery provide proven depth. Add in a strong 2026 recruiting class - featuring Khary Adams, Ayden Pouncey, Chaz Smith, and Nick Reddish - and this cornerback room is not just deep; it’s overflowing with talent.
At safety, captain Adon Shuler returns after anchoring the back end in 2025. Alongside him is Tae Johnson, who burst onto the scene as a redshirt freshman and looks poised to take another leap this fall.
Senior Luke Talich, a key part of last year’s rotation, also returns, bringing leadership and experience. Rising sophomore Ethan Long is expected to see more action, while redshirt freshman Brandon Logan and true freshman Joey O’Brien are names to watch as the season unfolds.
The Standard Is Set - and It’s High
Henry isn’t walking into a rebuild. He’s stepping into a position group that’s been the backbone of Notre Dame’s defense for years.
Under Mickens, the Irish secondary produced NFL talent like Xavier Watts (now with the Falcons), Ben Morrison (Buccaneers), and Cam Hart (Chargers). That pipeline isn’t just a point of pride - it’s the expectation.
And that’s the challenge for Henry. He doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel, but he does need to keep it turning at a high level.
Fortunately, he’s no stranger to coaching elite talent. His time at Illinois showed he can develop pros and build a cohesive secondary.
Now he gets a chance to do it with a room full of blue-chip athletes and seasoned veterans.
Much like new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, Henry inherits a position group that’s already humming. The key will be maintaining the culture, pushing development, and finding the right rotations to maximize production.
If he can do that, Notre Dame’s secondary won’t just be good - it’ll be dominant.
The pieces are in place. The standard is excellence. And in 2026, the Irish defensive backs room might just be the best in the nation.