In South Bend, Notre Dame football is gearing up for a new era on defense with the introduction of three new position coaches. While change can be daunting, players can find inspiration in the journey of former Irish standout, Jeremiyah Love. Love, who’s rapidly climbing the NFL draft boards, credits his development to the tutelage of two impactful position coaches during his college career.
Love's time under Deland McCullough and Ja’Juan Seider was transformative. “Having two different position coaches was the best thing for me,” Love shared, reflecting on his success, including a third-place finish at the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Under McCullough, Love embraced the mantra of being D3: Detailed, Dependable, and Disciplined. McCullough, who brought Love to Notre Dame from Christian Brothers College High School in St.
Louis, has since returned to the college ranks with Oklahoma after a stint with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“The details are the most important thing about football,” Love emphasized. “You have to be where you need to be at the right time. That’s something Coach D instilled in me.”
Ja’Juan Seider, who joined Notre Dame after a successful tenure at Penn State, further enriched Love’s understanding of the game. Seider’s unique perspective as a former quarterback added layers to Love’s football IQ.
“He taught me how to see the game from a quarterback’s perspective,” Love explained. This holistic approach helped Love and his backfield partner, Jadarian Price, become one of the most formidable duos in college football.
As Notre Dame’s defense undergoes its own transformation, fresh coaching perspectives are expected to play a pivotal role. Aaron Henry, stepping in as co-defensive coordinator, brings experience from Illinois to replace Mike Mickens, who moved on to the Baltimore Ravens.
Brian Jean-Mary, previously with Michigan, takes over the linebackers following Max Bullough's return to Michigan State. Meanwhile, Charlie Partridge, with a background from the Indianapolis Colts, now leads the defensive line, succeeding Al Washington, who joined the Miami Dolphins.
Oregon transfer Tionne Gray is eager to adapt to the new defensive schemes. “Coming to a new defense, I’m going to understand this and learn it,” Gray stated, seeing it as valuable preparation for a future in the NFL.
Defensive backs Jayden Sanders and DJ McKinney, who joined Notre Dame to work with Mickens, are now adjusting to Aaron Henry’s coaching. Sanders, who started two games as a freshman, remains optimistic. “It’s just a new coach and seeing what he wants,” he said, acknowledging that such transitions are part of the college football landscape.
With a blend of new strategies and seasoned talent, Notre Dame is poised for an exciting season, ready to write the next chapter in its storied football legacy.