With the NFL season officially wrapped, the annual coaching carousel is in full swing - and as always, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond the pro ranks. College programs, especially those with high-profile staffs, are once again seeing their top assistants poached by NFL teams looking to inject fresh energy and proven development skills into their position rooms.
Notre Dame is one of the latest programs to feel that impact. The Irish lost a key piece of their defensive coaching staff when Mike Mickens, the well-respected cornerbacks coach, accepted a job with the Baltimore Ravens.
That’s a big move for Mickens, who had built a strong reputation in South Bend for his ability to recruit and develop elite secondary talent. But for Notre Dame, it’s a loss that could’ve easily shaken up their recruiting momentum - especially with the Class of 2027 just starting to take shape.
One name that immediately came up in the aftermath of Mickens’ departure was four-star cornerback Ace Alston. Ranked as the No.
11 CB in the 2027 class, Alston had built a strong relationship with Mickens during the recruiting process. And any time a primary recruiter leaves, there’s always a question: will the player stay committed?
Alston wasted no time putting those doubts to rest.
“I’m still 100 percent committed to Notre Dame,” he said, addressing the speculation head-on and giving Irish fans a much-needed sigh of relief.
That’s a big win for Marcus Freeman and his staff - and it speaks volumes about both the culture they’re building in South Bend and the way Alston views his future with the program. Recruits today aren’t just committing to coaches; they’re committing to a vision, to a culture, and to a program that they believe can develop them on and off the field. Alston clearly sees that at Notre Dame.
Replacing Mickens won’t be easy, but the Irish didn’t waste time finding a strong successor. They brought in Aaron Henry, who most recently served as the defensive coordinator at Illinois.
Henry is a rising name in the coaching world - a former standout safety himself, he’s known for his energy, relatability, and ability to connect with young players. That’s exactly what Notre Dame needs to keep the momentum going in the secondary.
The fact that the Irish were able to land a coach of Henry’s caliber for this role says a lot about where the program stands. This wasn’t just a plug-and-play hire - it was a targeted move to keep the defensive back room in good hands and ensure continuity for recruits like Alston.
Losing a coach like Mickens is never ideal, especially when he played such a pivotal role in landing top-tier talent. But Freeman has shown time and again that he’s got a plan, and more importantly, that he can execute it. Whether it's on the field or in the recruiting battles, Notre Dame continues to position itself as a destination for elite talent - and the commitment from Ace Alston, even after a coaching change, is just the latest proof.