The coaching carousel in South Bend keeps spinning.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is once again in the market for a new assistant - this time to fill the linebackers coach role vacated by Al Washington, who’s heading to the NFL. Washington’s departure came as a bit of a surprise, but when the league comes knocking, it’s tough to turn down that kind of opportunity.
This marks yet another shakeup in what’s been a busy couple of years for Freeman’s staff. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that Freeman’s gotten plenty of reps in this department.
Just this offseason, he brought in Charlie Partridge to lead the defensive line after Max Bullough left for Michigan State. That move required some quick thinking and decisive action - and now, Freeman’s back at it, looking to solidify the linebackers room.
So who’s on the radar? While nothing is set in stone, a few familiar names are starting to surface as potential fits - each with ties to Notre Dame or to Freeman himself.
Nick Lezynski: A Familiar Face with a Strong Resume
One name that jumps out is Nick Lezynski, currently the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Vanderbilt. Lezynski’s connection to Notre Dame runs deep. He walked on as a cornerback in South Bend from 2007 to 2011 and later returned as a graduate assistant, spending four years on the Irish staff.
Lezynski has steadily climbed the coaching ranks and is now a key piece of Clark Lea’s staff at Vanderbilt. Pulling him away from an SEC program won’t be easy - especially one led by another former Irish defensive mind in Lea - but the draw of returning to his alma mater could be strong. If Notre Dame wants someone who understands the culture and can hit the ground running, Lezynski’s a compelling option.
Maurice Crum: Leadership, Experience, and Defensive DNA
Another former Irish standout getting buzz is Maurice Crum. From 2005 to 2008, Crum was a staple in the Notre Dame defense, starting over 40 straight games and serving as a team captain. He’s now the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at SMU.
Crum’s coaching career has mirrored his playing days - steady, reliable, and defense-first. SMU has been known for its high-octane offense, but Crum has helped bring balance on the other side of the ball.
A return to Notre Dame could offer him a chance to coach in a program where defense is front and center. His leadership experience and deep ties to the school make him a natural candidate.
Ronnie Regula: A Young Coach on the Rise
Then there’s Ronnie Regula - the least experienced of the three, but perhaps the most intriguing. Regula worked under Freeman as a defensive analyst in 2022 and 2023 before joining the Cincinnati Bengals as a defensive assistant, reuniting with former Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden.
While Regula hasn’t held a full-time position coach title yet, he’s been around high-level football in both college and the NFL. His familiarity with Freeman’s system and his recent NFL experience could make him a valuable addition, even if it would be a significant promotion. If Freeman is looking to invest in a young coach with upside and continuity, Regula could be the pick.
The Irish have some decisions to make, but the options on the table each bring something unique - whether it’s experience, familiarity, or long-term potential. Freeman’s track record in assembling a cohesive staff has been strong, and this next hire will be another key piece in shaping Notre Dame’s defensive identity moving forward.
One thing’s clear: the Irish aren’t just looking for a position coach - they’re looking for someone who can help elevate a unit that’s central to their success. And with the right hire, Freeman could once again turn a coaching loss into a long-term gain.