Notre Dame isn’t wasting any time reshaping its defensive coaching staff. Just a day after bringing in Aaron Henry as defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator, the Fighting Irish are expected to land another experienced name: Brian Jean-Mary, who’s set to take over as linebackers coach following Al Washington’s departure.
Jean-Mary comes to South Bend with a résumé that speaks volumes. Most recently at Michigan, he served as the Wolverines’ linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator over the past two seasons.
In 2024, his unit played a pivotal role in Michigan’s top-10 defense. The Wolverines finished fifth in the nation against the run, limiting eight opponents to under 100 rushing yards - a stat that speaks not just to scheme, but to consistent execution at the second level.
Under Jean-Mary’s guidance, Ernest Hausmann earned honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition, while Jimmy Rolder turned in the most productive season of his career.
Before returning to Ann Arbor, Jean-Mary spent three years at Tennessee, where his linebackers were a key piece in one of the SEC’s more aggressive defenses. The Volunteers ranked in the top 10 nationally in tackles for loss every season during his tenure, and cracked the top 10 in sacks once as well. That kind of disruptive production doesn’t happen by accident - it’s a reflection of both coaching and talent development.
Jean-Mary also brings a track record of coaching future NFL talent, which only adds to his appeal for a Notre Dame program looking to maintain its defensive identity under head coach Marcus Freeman. With Jean-Mary and Henry now in the fold, Freeman has quickly addressed two key vacancies with coaches who’ve proven themselves in major conferences - particularly the Big Ten, where both have logged meaningful experience.
These hires help cushion the blow of losing Mike Mickens and Al Washington, both of whom were highly regarded not just for their coaching chops, but also their recruiting prowess. Mickens, in particular, was seen as one of the top secondary coaches in the country, and Washington’s exit to the NFL caught many inside the program off guard.
But Freeman’s response has been swift and strategic. In Jean-Mary, Notre Dame is adding a coach who knows how to build and lead a physical, disciplined linebacker corps - a must for any defense with playoff aspirations. And with Henry bringing fresh energy and leadership to the secondary, the Irish seem to be reloading rather than rebuilding.
Notre Dame’s defensive staff might be fully set by the end of the day - and if these hires are any indication, the Irish aren’t just filling spots. They’re making moves with purpose.