Aaron Henry is on the move - and it’s a big one.
The Illinois defensive coordinator, who’s been a rising star in the coaching ranks, is expected to join Marcus Freeman’s staff at Notre Dame as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. It’s a shift that raises eyebrows not because of the destination - Notre Dame is one of the premier brands in college football - but because it comes with a title change that, on paper, looks more lateral than upward.
But make no mistake: this is a major pickup for the Irish.
Henry has been a cornerstone of Illinois’ recent resurgence under Bret Bielema. Over the past two seasons, the Illini posted 19 wins - the most successful two-year run in program history.
And Henry's fingerprints were all over that success. His defenses weren’t just solid - they were disruptive, opportunistic, and consistently among the best in the Big Ten.
In 2024, Illinois ranked 10th nationally with 15 forced fumbles and tied for fifth in the Big Ten with 24 sacks in conference play. Those aren’t just numbers - they’re indicators of a defense that plays fast, physical, and with a clear identity.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of strong coaching, smart scheming, and a unit that buys in - all things Henry helped cultivate.
Before taking over the defense, Henry served as Illinois’ defensive backs coach, and his work in that role laid the foundation for his promotion. His ability to develop talent in the secondary has been well-documented, and that expertise is likely a big reason why Freeman wants him in South Bend. Notre Dame’s defense has been strong under Freeman’s leadership, but adding a coach with Henry’s résumé gives them another sharp mind in the room - and one who knows how to get the most out of his players.
There’s also a loyalty factor that makes this move all the more intriguing. Henry played for Bielema at Wisconsin and later joined his staff at Illinois, sticking with him since 2021.
That kind of continuity is rare in today’s coaching carousel. So for Henry to make this jump suggests more than just a career move - it signals a belief in what Freeman is building at Notre Dame and a desire to be part of it.
And the timing? Well, it sets up a juicy storyline right out of the gate.
Notre Dame opens the 2026 season against Wisconsin - the very program where Henry once starred as a defensive back. Now, he’ll be scheming against the Badgers from the opposite sideline.
It’s a full-circle moment for a coach whose trajectory continues to climb. Henry may be taking on a co-coordinator role, but don’t mistake that for a step back. This is a strategic move - one that positions him on a national stage, in a program with championship aspirations, and alongside a head coach who values defensive excellence.
Notre Dame just got better. And come Week 1, Wisconsin will be the first to feel it.