Mastering the Math: Notre Dame’s Biagi Embraces New Special Teams Calculus in 2024
As college football evolves, so too does every phase of the game — and no area has seen more nuanced change over the last few years than special teams. With recent rule modifications, shifting return strategies, and the growing importance of analytics in decision-making, the margin for error in special teams play has never been slimmer. Notre Dame special teams coordinator Marty Biagi finds himself at the center of this new calculus in 2024, tasked with not only adapting but excelling in an area of the game that now demands as much strategic foresight as execution. For Biagi, the goal is clear: build an elite special teams unit that’s both fundamentally sound and forward-thinking in its approach.
Biagi, entering his second year with the Fighting Irish after previous success at Ole Miss and Purdue, is no stranger to innovation. His track record of coaching aggressive, detail-oriented special teams units precedes him. At Notre Dame, he’s brought that same edge, turning what has sometimes been an overlooked phase into a strategic weapon. Yet in 2024, Biagi faces new challenges. Changes in fair catch rules, the push for player safety, and how field position is now treated analytically mean that every kickoff, punt, and return comes with more layers of complexity than ever before.
One of the most significant areas of change that Biagi is navigating involves kickoffs — both in how they are executed and defended. With the NCAA continuing to push toward reducing high-impact collisions on kickoffs, many teams have shifted toward shorter directional kicks, squibs, or even routine fair catches inside the 25. The goal is to minimize return opportunities, but that’s easier said than done against modern return schemes that use misdirection and speed to exploit coverage lanes. Biagi has been methodically studying these new trends, using film and data to craft Notre Dame’s kickoff strategy accordingly.
He’s also spending significant time working with the Irish’s return specialists to decide when it’s actually advantageous to return kicks. In an era when the fair catch inside the 25 brings the ball out to that same spot, it’s a balancing act — when do you risk a return to potentially gain extra yards, and when do you simply take the field position and reduce the risk of a turnover or penalty? For Biagi, this comes down to situational awareness, player confidence, and the game context. And that’s where his experience comes into play.
In practice sessions this spring, Biagi has emphasized clean communication, assignment soundness, and adaptability. With several new faces competing for spots on special teams units — including a few talented underclassmen — the message has been clear: there’s no room for mental errors. He’s also been instrumental in helping head coach Marcus Freeman emphasize the value of special teams to the entire roster. Starters are expected to contribute when needed, and specialists are coached with the same intensity as offensive and defensive units.
Perhaps nowhere is Biagi’s influence more evident than in punt coverage and return. Last season, the Irish showed signs of being able to flip the field with strong punts and disciplined coverage, but consistency was lacking at times. This year, Biagi is doubling down on coverage drills, working extensively with gunners and long snappers to improve timing, lane integrity, and tackling. The Irish are also evaluating their options at punt returner, a position that requires fearlessness, ball security, and smart decision-making. There’s an open competition underway, and Biagi is carefully managing reps to ensure every option is thoroughly vetted.
Another fascinating component of Biagi’s role in 2024 is integrating analytics more fully into in-game decision-making. With more programs leaning on statistical models to guide decisions on when to punt, attempt long field goals, or fake special teams plays, Biagi is part of a growing movement of coordinators who use math as much as instinct. He’s working closely with Notre Dame’s analytics staff to model opponent tendencies, predict field position outcomes, and determine high-leverage moments when special teams can flip momentum. These conversations now happen not only during game prep, but live on the sideline — making real-time adjustments based on down, distance, and score.
The placekicking game is also under Biagi’s microscope. With the Irish bringing back experienced legs but also exploring young talent, the battle for field goal and PAT duties has added intensity to spring ball. Biagi’s coaching goes beyond leg strength; he’s obsessed with timing, plant foot mechanics, and pressure response. His drills are methodical — some replicating game pressure scenarios with crowd noise and time constraints. Biagi believes confidence is built through routine, and routine is sharpened through discipline.
For Biagi, mentoring his kickers and punters is about more than mechanics; it’s about mental toughness. He frequently references great special teams units from NFL and college programs, using their preparation models to challenge his own players. And he’s not afraid to push boundaries. Trick plays, fake punts, and unexpected onside kicks are all in the playbook — not because they’ll be used every week, but because Biagi wants opponents to know that Notre Dame is never predictable.
There’s also a strong culture-building component to Biagi’s approach. Special teams often involve players from all over the roster — offense, defense, freshmen, seniors — and Biagi makes it a point to connect with each of them individually. He prides himself on knowing what motivates his players, what their goals are, and how he can help them grow. Whether it’s a young linebacker trying to make his mark on kickoff coverage or a senior wideout embracing a leadership role on punt return, Biagi ensures that every player on special teams knows their role is vital to team success.
As Notre Dame pushes through spring practice and looks toward the 2024 season, Biagi’s units will be critical in close games. In today’s college football landscape, where field position, hidden yardage, and momentum swings can determine playoff spots, having an elite special teams coordinator is more than a luxury — it’s a necessity. And Notre Dame knows it has one in Marty Biagi.
He’s already begun laying the foundation for what he hopes will be one of the nation’s top special teams units. And while the rules and strategies may evolve, Biagi’s mission remains constant: create an edge for Notre Dame in every phase of special teams — from pinning teams deep on punts to breaking long kickoff returns, to hitting clutch field goals in the biggest moments.
With a blend of innovation, attention to detail, and an infectious energy that resonates throughout the roster, Biagi is ready for the new special teams calculus. If the early signs this spring are any indication, the Irish may not just be prepared — they may be ahead of the curve.
