For the first time in Marcus Freeman’s tenure, Notre Dame is stepping into a season with a rare gem: continuity at the coordinator level. Both the offense and defense return intact, providing the Irish with a full offseason free from the usual schematic resets.
This might not grab headlines like a blockbuster transfer or a breakout star, but internally, it's a game-changer. Notre Dame is no longer in rebuild mode; they’re ready to build on a solid foundation, and that could be pivotal in 2026.
A Fresh Start Without Starting Over
Freeman’s journey with Notre Dame has been a rollercoaster, especially when it comes to coordinators. He initially inherited Tommy Rees as offensive coordinator but lost him unexpectedly in 2023.
The search for a replacement was tumultuous, eventually leading to Gerad Parker, a choice that felt temporary after a failed attempt to secure Andy Ludwig. This constant change disrupted the team’s rhythm, forcing players to adapt to new systems and terminologies every season.
“You don’t have to start back over,” Freeman noted this week, highlighting a significant shift. For the first time, Notre Dame’s players are building on familiar systems, allowing them to enhance their skills rather than relearn them each offseason.
Offensive Continuity with Denbrock and Carr
The offensive side sees Mike Denbrock entering his third season with a returning starter at quarterback, a first for him at Notre Dame. Denbrock, hailed as a stellar hire, faced challenges in his first year, including the absence of his projected starter, Riley Leonard, during spring. This year, however, Denbrock has the luxury of a full offseason with CJ Carr, a settled QB, to refine and expand the playbook.
Denbrock’s history suggests this continuity could be transformative. At LSU, his offense soared in Jayden Daniels’ second year as the starting quarterback, with Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy after a remarkable leap in performance.
Carr’s initial season stats are promising, with nearly 67% pass completion and a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio. With Denbrock’s guidance, Carr is poised to elevate his game, aiming for increased efficiency and explosive plays, much like Daniels did.
Defensive Stability and New Challenges
On defense, Freeman’s coordinator choices have been more stable, starting with Al Golden. After some initial adjustments, Golden’s defense became a national powerhouse in 2023 and 2024.
When Golden left, Freeman brought in Chris Ash, a move initially met with skepticism. Early struggles in 2025 gave way to a strong finish, as the defense found its groove under Ash’s system.
This year, Ash faces the task of integrating three new position coaches. While the system remains unchanged, these new coaches are stepping into an established scheme, a crucial factor in maintaining continuity. Ash and Freeman carefully selected replacements, with two coaches having previous ties to Ash, ensuring a smoother transition.
Spring Ball: Ahead of the Curve
The benefits of this continuity are already evident in spring practices. Freeman noted that they’re advancing through football schools and schematic work faster than if they were introducing new coordinators. This head start allows for more advanced drills and meaningful reps, benefiting both veterans and newcomers alike.
Aiming for a Quick Start
Freeman’s offseason focus has been on starting the season strong. In the past, Notre Dame often required early-season adjustments due to new systems or personnel changes.
This year, those hurdles are absent. With a stable offseason, an experienced quarterback, and consistent systems on both sides of the ball, Notre Dame is set to hit the ground running from Week 1.
Continuity doesn’t guarantee success, but for the first time under Freeman, Notre Dame isn’t scrambling to align everyone. They’re building on a strong foundation, and that could be the key to avoiding another slow start and unleashing their potential right from the get-go.