Notre Dame’s defensive coaching staff is undergoing a significant transformation for the 2025 season, with several key changes shaping the direction of the team’s defense. One of the most notable additions is Charlie Partridge, who will take over as the new defensive line coach. This shift comes after a series of moves within the coaching staff that have redefined roles and responsibilities.

The transition began when Max Bullough, the linebackers coach, left Notre Dame to join Michigan State as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Bullough, a graduate of Michigan State, returns to his alma mater under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald. In his place, Al Washington, who previously served as the defensive line coach, has been reassigned to the linebackers position. Washington will continue to work with the Irish for a fifth season, having spent three years at Ohio State before joining Notre Dame.

Charlie Partridge, a seasoned coach with extensive experience in both college and professional football, is set to bring a fresh perspective to the defensive line. His hiring was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg, and he will work under defensive coordinator Chris Ash, who completed his first season with the Irish after four years in the NFL.

Partridge, 52, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He spent the last two seasons as the defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, where the team currently ranks fifth in the NFL in run defense. Prior to that, he had a successful tenure at Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2023, where he served as defensive line coach and later co-defensive coordinator. During his time at Pittsburgh, four defensive linemen—Calijah Kancey, Patrick Jones II, Rashad Weaver, and Jalen Twyman—were selected in the NFL draft.

Before his time in the NFL, Partridge had a brief stint as a head coach at Florida Atlantic from 2014 to 2016, where he led the team to a 3-9 record each season. However, his career took a different path after working under Bret Bielema at Wisconsin and Arkansas from 2008 to 2013. During this time, Partridge helped develop J.J. Watt, who rose from being the 1,342nd-ranked recruit to a first-team All-American and Lott Trophy winner.

Throughout his career, Partridge has served as a defensive line coach at Eastern Illinois, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and the Indianapolis Colts, building a reputation for developing elite talent.

How Notre Dame’s defensive line is shaping up

The Irish defensive line is facing some challenges as several key players have moved on. Donovan Hinish recently announced his medical retirement from college football, while Josh Burham entered the transfer portal. Burham was a valuable contributor, ranking third on the team with six tackles for loss and three tackles. Hinish, who played in 11 games with three starts, recorded one sack and two quarterback hurries.

Other defensive linemen, such as Armel Mukam, have also entered the transfer portal following his sophomore season. Seniors Jared Dawson, Gabriel Rubio, Jordan Botelho, and Junior Tuihalamaka have exhausted their eligibility, leaving a void in the defensive line. However, Jason Onye has submitted a waiver for a sixth year of eligibility, offering hope for continued contributions.

Despite these losses, Notre Dame still has strong options on the defensive line. Boubacar Traore, who led the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2025, has two years of eligibility remaining. Elijah Hughes and Bryce Young, who combined for five tackles for loss and three sacks, are also expected to return.

Coach Marcus Freeman has also recruited a highly touted five-star edge rusher, Rodney Durham, who is ranked No. 8 overall and No. 2 among edge rushers by 247Sports. Durham is part of a top-ranked recruiting class that includes other defensive line prospects like Ebenezer Ewatade, Elijah Golden, and Tiki Hola.

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