The 2025 season was anything but a disappointment for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame, as the Irish went 10-2 and narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff. The Irish coaching staff was on the road throughout last week recruiting elite prospects.
Meanwhile, Freeman is also dealing with back-to-back blows after losing several key assistant coaches to other programs.
Marcus Freeman’s Assistant Pens Final Note to Notre Dame Before NFL Move
Notre Dame linebackers coach Al Washington is departing South Bend to accept the same role with the Miami Dolphins, marking the third defensive assistant to leave the Irish this offseason.
Washington shared a heartfelt goodbye message Friday on X.
“There is too much to be grateful for to not take the time to say thank you,” the statement wrote.
“First and foremost, I want to thank the Notre Dame community for welcoming me and my family with open arms. Notre Dame has changed my life and career for the better. There is truly no better environment in the country for a student-athlete to chase greatness in all areas of life- academically, athletically, and spiritually.
“We are forever grateful to the University and the South Bend community, and it will always be a place we call home. I am deeply thankful for Marcus Freeman- your belief, your investment, and your friendship.”
Washington had served as Notre Dame’s defensive line coach since Freeman became head coach in 2022. He had been recently shifted to linebackers coach after Max Bullough left to become co-defensive coordinator at Michigan State.
Under Washington in 2025, Notre Dame’s defense ranked first in interceptions (21), fourth in turnover margin (1.08), ninth in team sacks (2.92), 11th in rushing defense (99.3 yards/game), and 13th in passing efficiency defense (108.80), earning a No. 8 ranking in the PFSN’s CFB Defense Impact Metric with a score of 87.7.
He helped produce All-Americans Rylie Mills and Howard Cross III in 2024, while defensive end Boubacar Traore emerged as a top edge rusher in 2025.
“The past four years have been transformative for me and my family,” Washington’s statement continued. “You can judge a leader by how he shows up and leads in difficult moments, and no one does it better. Your example has shaped me as a coach, a leader, and a man, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside you. To the young men I was fortunate to coach and compete with- thank you.
“A coach is only as good as his players, and I learned just as much from you as you from me. While our time working together may come to an end, the relationships never will. I will always support you, always believe in you, and always have your back. I love you boys. Thank you, Notre Dame, for everything. This chapter shaped me- and I will carry it with me for the rest of my life.”
Washington brings 12 years of coaching experience, including stints at Boston College and Ohio State, where he was the linebackers coach. In his final season with the Buckeyes in 2021, the school’s defense ranked in the top 20 nationally in defensive touchdowns and turnover margin.
Washington’s connection with new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley dates back to Ohio State in 2021, when Hafley was co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Along with Washington and Bullough, Notre Dame also saw defensive backs coach and pass-game coordinator Mike Mickens leave for the same role with the Baltimore Ravens.
