As of January 30, 2025, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman has not yet announced a new defensive coordinator to replace Al Golden, who departed to become the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive coordinator on January 22, 2025.
During his three-year tenure at Notre Dame, Golden significantly enhanced the team’s defense, leading them to top national rankings in pass-efficiency defense, points allowed per game, and forced turnovers in the 2024 season. His departure has left a notable vacancy in the coaching staff.
While the search for a successor is ongoing, current staff member Mike Mickens has been identified as a strong internal candidate for the role. Mickens, who has been with the program since 2020, has played a pivotal role in developing the team’s secondary and could provide continuity for the defense.
Given the importance of this position, it is anticipated that Coach Freeman will conduct a comprehensive search, considering both internal and external candidates, to identify the best fit for the program’s future.
