Chris Ash’s Summer Insights: Unpacking Notre Dame’s Defensive Coordinator’s Candid Conversation with Blue & Gold

Notre Dame’s defensive landscape has been a subject of keen interest since the arrival of Chris Ash as the new defensive coordinator, and his recent summer sit-down with Blue & Gold provided a revealing glimpse into his philosophy, his initial impressions, and the direction he envisions for the Fighting Irish defense. Ash, a seasoned veteran with a national championship pedigree, approached the conversation with a pragmatic yet optimistic outlook, emphasizing continuity, player development, and the overarching identity of “Notre Dame’s defense” rather than his own individual stamp. This wasn’t a narrative of radical overhaul, but rather a thoughtful discussion of enhancement and refinement, building upon the strong foundation already established by his predecessor, Al Golden.

One of the most striking points Ash articulated was his commitment to the existing defensive framework. He repeatedly stressed the idea that “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” a sentiment that was a cornerstone of his initial conversations with Head Coach Marcus Freeman. This speaks volumes about the respect he holds for the defensive success Notre Dame has enjoyed in recent seasons. He acknowledged the high standards, accountability, and quality coaching that have been hallmarks of the Irish defense, viewing his role not as a disruptor, but as an enhancer. While acknowledging that some terminology might shift and certain fundamental drills could see minor alterations, the core concepts and the aggressive, fast-playing style that defines Notre Dame defense will remain firmly in place. This approach immediately assuages any concerns about a drastic philosophical shift that could unsettle the players or dilute the established defensive culture. Instead, Ash aims to blend his insights and experience with the existing successful elements, creating a richer, more adaptable unit.

Ash’s extensive coaching background, including stints in the NFL and his previous college defensive coordinator roles at Ohio State and Wisconsin, brings a wealth of knowledge to South Bend. However, he was quick to point out the differences between those experiences and his current situation. He specifically mentioned that the game has evolved since his last college defensive coordinator role, particularly with the proliferation of RPOs (Run-Pass Options) and the increased space created by wider hashes. His challenge, he explained, is to find ways to eliminate that space and effectively defend against modern offensive schemes, all while adhering to the core principles of Notre Dame’s defense. He emphasized that this isn’t about him imposing “his defense” but rather refining and optimizing “Notre Dame’s defense” for the current college football landscape. This adaptability and willingness to integrate into the existing fabric of the program is a crucial aspect of his leadership.

Player development emerged as another central theme in Ash’s conversation. He articulated a “players over plays” philosophy, underscoring his belief that the success of the defense ultimately hinges on the capabilities and understanding of the athletes. This means a concerted effort to teach concepts rather than simply memorizing calls, empowering players to grasp the big picture and make instinctual decisions on the field. He recognized that overloading players with information can diminish their effectiveness, and his focus will be on finding the optimal “threshold” of what they can handle mentally, ensuring they can execute their roles with speed and confidence. This player-centric approach aligns well with Marcus Freeman’s emphasis on creating a strong, supportive culture within the program.

When asked about specific player evaluations, Ash was cautious but enthusiastic. He lauded the defensive line group, highlighting their length, explosiveness, and versatility, capable of rushing the passer, playing the run, and even dropping into coverage when needed. He noted the challenge of maintaining depth and keeping key players healthy throughout a long season, recognizing that rotations and personnel packages are vital for sustained success. The idea is to ensure that the best players are on the field and that the team has ample depth to withstand the rigors of a demanding schedule. He emphasized that if a player has earned the right to play, it’s the coaching staff’s responsibility to find a way to get them on the field, whether through rotation or specific packages. This commitment to rewarding merit and fostering competition is a positive sign for the players.

Ash also shed light on his impressions of individual players, singling out Drayk Bowen for his leadership qualities. While acknowledging that Bowen is still growing into a more vocal leadership role, Ash praised his exemplary work ethic, his dedication to studying the game, and his consistent preparation. He described Bowen as a player who leads by example, is not afraid to speak up when necessary, and consistently gives maximum effort in practice. This early recognition of a rising leader within the defensive unit is crucial for setting the tone and fostering a cohesive group. Similarly, Ash quickly identified Leonard Moore as a standout boundary corner, noting his ideal physical characteristics, athleticism, instincts, and short memory – a vital trait for any defensive back. These quick evaluations suggest a keen eye for talent and an ability to quickly assess the strengths of his new roster.

The conversation also touched upon the ever-evolving landscape of college football, specifically NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the transfer portal. Ash openly admitted that he is still in a learning phase regarding these aspects, actively seeking information and asking questions in recruiting meetings to understand their impact on the game. He acknowledged that the college football environment has changed significantly since his last collegiate coaching stint four years prior, and his willingness to adapt and educate himself on these new realities is a testament to his professionalism and commitment to staying current. This open-mindedness is essential for navigating the complexities of modern college football recruiting and roster management.

Leadership, for Ash, transcends scheme or individual ego. He firmly believes that providing a high level of leadership is paramount, and that starts with “checking the ego at the door.” His presence at Notre Dame, he stated, is about adjusting to the existing staff, players, scheme, and overall culture, not the other way around. He views himself as a piece of the Notre Dame defense, not the architect of “his” defense. This humble yet confident approach is likely to resonate positively within the program, fostering a collaborative environment where shared goals take precedence over individual aspirations. He was clear that his decision to come to Notre Dame was a “no-brainer,” citing the type of people, the recent success, and the opportunity for sustained excellence as compelling factors.

In essence, Chris Ash’s summer sit-down with Blue & Gold painted a picture of a defensive coordinator who is deeply committed to the success of Notre Dame football, not through revolutionary changes, but through thoughtful refinement, robust player development, and a steadfast adherence to the program’s established defensive identity. His emphasis on adaptability, his respect for the existing foundation, and his pragmatic approach to the evolving collegiate landscape all point towards a future where the Fighting Irish defense continues to be a formidable force, playing fast, aggressive, and fundamentally sound football, week in and week out. The dialogue reinforced the idea that the Notre Dame defense, under Ash’s guidance, will continue to evolve, but always within the framework of what has made it successful, with a primary focus on putting its talented players in the best position to succeed.