The coaching carousel is spinning fast in South Bend this offseason. Notre Dame is losing another key defensive assistant, as Al Washington has officially accepted a job with the Miami Dolphins. Less than a month after being promoted to linebackers coach for the Irish, Washington is heading to the NFL to take over as the Dolphins’ defensive line coach.
This move reunites Washington with newly hired Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley, and there’s a strong Ohio State connection between the two. Back in 2019, Hafley was the co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach in Columbus, while Washington was in his first of three seasons coaching the Buckeyes’ linebackers.
That familiarity likely played a role in this hire, but it goes deeper. Hafley also coached at Boston College from 2020 to 2023 - the same program where Washington played defensive tackle from 2002 to 2005.
For Washington, this marks his first foray into the NFL coaching ranks. It’s a significant step in a career that’s been steadily climbing since he entered the Division I coaching scene in 2012. Along the way, he’s held key roles at some of the biggest programs in the country - Michigan, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Boston College - and most recently, Notre Dame.
Washington joined the Irish in 2022 as the defensive line coach and was promoted ahead of the 2023 season to a dual role as defensive line coach and run game coordinator. Earlier this January, he was elevated again to linebackers coach - a move that now turns out to have been short-lived, as the NFL came calling.
While his on-field work was important, Washington’s impact on the recruiting trail might be even more notable. According to 247Sports, he was the lead recruiter for five-star edge rusher Rodney Dunham - a massive get for the Irish defense.
He also played a pivotal role in landing four-star linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and four-star defensive lineman Bryce Young. That kind of recruiting firepower is hard to replace.
Washington’s departure is the third major loss from Notre Dame’s defensive staff this offseason. Just days ago, defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Mike Mickens left to join the Baltimore Ravens.
Earlier, former linebackers coach Max Bullough accepted a job at Michigan State. That’s a significant shake-up for a defense with College Football Playoff aspirations in 2026.
Now, Notre Dame faces the challenge of filling two key roles - linebackers coach and defensive backs coach - at a critical time in their offseason prep. With a talented roster and high expectations, these hires will be crucial in keeping the Irish defense on track and playoff-ready.
As for Washington, he steps into a new chapter with a Dolphins team that holds the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is looking to reset under Hafley. It’s a big opportunity, and one that reflects just how respected Washington has become in coaching circles.