Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is standing by his decision to bring Chris Ash onto the Irish’s defensive staff, despite a rocky start through the first two games of the 2025-26 season. Freeman insists that the team’s defensive struggles are a collective execution issue, not the result of one coach or player.
Marcus Freeman Stands by Chris Ash Amid Defensive Struggles
Ash, now entering his 29th season of coaching, brings a wealth of experience to Notre Dame, with stops as a defensive coordinator, position coach, and head coach at both the collegiate and professional levels.
He spent two seasons as the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive backs coach and also scouted for the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the college level, Ash coordinated multiple successful defenses, including the 2014 National Champion Ohio State squad, and served as Rutgers’ head coach from 2016-2019.
“It’s easy to say it’s one person or a new coordinator. It’s all of us,” Freeman said.
Marcus Freeman is not in the business of singling out Chris Ash as the main reason Notre Dame’s defense has not performed up to standard through two games.
He still feels like it’s an execution issue.
“It’s easy to say it’s one person or a new coordinator. It’s all of us.”
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 15, 2025
Freeman, who became the 30th head coach in Notre Dame history on December 3, 2021, has led the Irish to historic success, including 14 wins in the 2024 season, a trip to the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship, and seven wins over ranked opponents. Despite the early struggles, Freeman maintains confidence in Ash’s ability to guide the defense.
Placekicker Competition Heats Up
Freeman also updated fans on the ongoing battle at placekicker. Sophomore Marcello Diomede and incoming freshman Erik Schmidt are competing for the starting role if Noah Burnette is unavailable. Burnette is currently questionable with a right hip injury, making this competition crucial for Notre Dame’s special teams.
Marcello Diomede and Erik Schmidt will have “a little competition” to be Notre Dame’s primary placekicker against Purdue if Noah Burnette is unavailable.
Burnette is questionable with a right hip injury.
— Tyler Horka (@tbhorka) September 15, 2025
Diomede, a sophomore, has already contributed on special teams this season, handling kickoffs against Miami and Texas A&M, including multiple touchbacks. Last season, he played in three games, successfully kicking a PAT against Stanford and recording a 55-yard kickoff against Navy.
Meanwhile, Schmidt enters the Irish program as one of the nation’s top kicking recruits. A three-star prospect ranked third nationally by 247Sports and ESPN, Schmidt broke multiple Marquette University High School records, including longest field goal (55 yards), total touchbacks, extra points, and career points by a kicker. Freeman’s team will benefit from evaluating these two talented kickers in the event Burnette is sidelined.
Freeman’s Confidence in Ash and the Team
Despite some defensive lapses early in the season, Freeman is not pressuring Ash or singling him out as the main reason for Notre Dame’s struggles. Instead, he emphasizes that the team’s issues are about collective execution. Ash’s extensive experience, both in the NFL and at top collegiate programs, is expected to pay dividends as the Irish defense settles into the season.
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With Freeman’s leadership and Ash’s expertise, Notre Dame fans can expect adjustments and improvements as the season progresses. Meanwhile, the placekicker battle between Diomede and Schmidt adds an exciting subplot to the Irish’s quest for success, particularly if injuries continue to impact the roster.
Freeman’s approach showcases a commitment to team accountability and long-term development, showing that Notre Dame’s coaching staff is focused on both immediate performance and sustained program growth.
