Jillian Torres, a five-star elite sophomore and the nation’s fourth-ranked outfielder overall, chose Notre Dame Committed to Irish Women’s Softball over Indiana and Tennessee.

In a move that has electrified both the Fighting Irish faithful and the wider college football community, legendary quarterback Brady Quinn is returning to South Bend—not to relive old glories, but to build new ones. Notre Dame has officially named Quinn as its new quarterbacks coach and ambassador for the program, a bold hire that aims to strengthen the bridge between the school’s storied past and its ambitious future.

For many, the announcement felt like a dream. After all, Quinn remains one of the most iconic players in Notre Dame’s modern history—a quarterback who brought national relevance back to the program in the mid-2000s with his arm talent, charisma, and relentless work ethic. His return comes at a crucial time for head coach Marcus Freeman, who is in the midst of building a long-term culture rooted in tradition, player development, and championship aspirations.

Brady Quinn’s name still resonates within Notre Dame lore. From 2003 to 2006, he rewrote the school’s record books, posting over 11,000 passing yards and 95 touchdown passes—both school records at the time. Under the tutelage of then-head coach Charlie Weis, Quinn led the Irish to two straight BCS bowl games and finished in the top five of the Heisman Trophy voting in 2005 and 2006.

But his impact extended beyond numbers. He was the face of a renaissance. Notre Dame, which had faltered during the late ’90s and early 2000s, suddenly found itself back in the national spotlight. Quinn played with poise, confidence, and a cerebral edge that made him one of the most respected quarterbacks in the country. His rivalry games against USC, Michigan, and others became must-watch matchups. Fans remember the “Bush Push” loss in 2005, yes—but also Quinn’s countless heroic efforts that season, including a dazzling overtime win over Stanford and a comeback against Michigan State.

His NFL career never quite reached the same heights, but his name still carries considerable weight—especially at Notre Dame.

Head coach Marcus Freeman, now entering his fourth season at the helm, has proven himself a forward-thinking leader with deep respect for the traditions that make Notre Dame football unique. His decision to bring Quinn back into the fold isn’t just a sentimental gesture—it’s a calculated move to enhance quarterback development and re-engage the passionate alumni base.

“Brady represents everything that’s great about Notre Dame,” Freeman said at the introductory press conference. “He was a leader, a competitor, and a student of the game. He knows what it means to wear the gold helmet, and he understands the pressure and the privilege that comes with being the quarterback here. I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him back to help mold the next generation of Irish leaders.”

Sources close to the program say Quinn had been in conversations with Notre Dame officials for months, quietly observing practices, offering mentorship to young quarterbacks, and becoming increasingly involved with the program’s outreach efforts. Freeman and athletic director Jack Swarbrick were both impressed with Quinn’s communication skills and football IQ.

“Brady is a natural teacher,” Swarbrick said. “Whether he’s breaking down film on national television or mentoring a high school recruit, his ability to articulate the nuances of the game is exceptional.”

Quinn’s return adds symbolic value at a time when Notre Dame is seeking to reassert itself as a perennial College Football Playoff contender. While the Irish have posted several 10+ win seasons in the past decade and made two CFP appearances, critics have questioned the program’s ability to develop elite quarterbacks consistently.

That’s where Quinn’s experience and insight come in.

“I know what it takes to win here,” Quinn said during his press conference. “The expectations are high, the standards are even higher—and that’s exactly the environment that produces greatness. I want to help these young men become not just great players, but leaders who represent Notre Dame the right way.”

Quinn also made it clear he intends to embrace the modern game. His deep understanding of pro-style and spread concepts, combined with his recent experience as a college football analyst, gives him a unique vantage point. He’s seen how the best teams operate—from Georgia and Alabama to Ohio State and Michigan—and is ready to bring that knowledge to the Irish quarterback room.

Notre Dame’s quarterback situation has been turbulent in recent seasons. From the high expectations surrounding Tyler Buchner to the Sam Hartman transfer experiment, consistency has been elusive. As the Irish prepare for the 2025 season, they have a mix of promising young talent and incoming recruits looking to develop under a stable coaching framework.

Quinn will work closely with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to establish that framework. While Denbrock brings decades of experience—including stints with LSU, Cincinnati, and previously Notre Dame—Quinn’s ability to relate to quarterbacks on a personal level is expected to be a game-changer.

“You can already see the difference in the room,” said sophomore quarterback CJ Carr, a highly touted recruit who committed to Notre Dame in part due to its QB legacy. “Coach Quinn knows what we’re going through. He’s been in the exact same spot. It makes a big difference when your coach has walked the walk.”

Carr, along with fellow quarterback Kenny Minchey and 2025 commit Deuce Knight, represents the future of the program. With Quinn as a mentor, there’s growing optimism that Notre Dame can finally develop a homegrown quarterback into a Heisman contender and national champion.

Quinn’s presence is already making waves on the recruiting trail. Within hours of the announcement, several quarterback prospects took to social media to express their excitement. Recruits value not only coaching pedigree but also brand recognition—and few names ring louder in Notre Dame circles than Brady Quinn.

“Brady Quinn is a legend,” said 2026 QB recruit Trey Maddox from Texas. “Getting coached by someone like that? That’s something you dream about if you’re a Notre Dame fan.”

Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts have been strong under Freeman, but quarterback recruiting is a different beast. Competing with schools like Alabama, Georgia, USC, and Ohio State for elite signal-callers requires not just resources, but relationships. Quinn’s media savvy, relatability, and player-first approach could be the missing piece.

While his official title is quarterbacks coach, Quinn’s role is expected to expand into brand-building and alumni relations. Notre Dame has long prided itself on its “family” culture, and bringing in a beloved figure like Quinn strengthens that message.

He will help with fundraising events, represent the school in national media, and assist in organizing player mentorship programs with NFL alumni. Sources say Notre Dame envisions Quinn as a long-term asset—not just for the offense, but for the institution as a whole.

“He’s more than a coach,” said Freeman. “He’s a symbol of what Notre Dame football is and what it can be.”

As the 2025 season approaches, expectations will be sky-high—not just for Marcus Freeman and the Irish defense, but now for the offense, which will carry the added pressure of delivering under Quinn’s watchful eye.

Notre Dame opens the season with a marquee matchup against Texas A&M in College Station—a game that will serve as an immediate litmus test for the new-look staff. From there, the Irish will navigate a schedule that includes Ohio State, USC, and Clemson—three games that could define their playoff hopes.

But beyond wins and losses, there’s a renewed sense of belief.

“This feels right,” said former teammate and ESPN analyst Mike Golic Jr. “Brady coming back to Notre Dame—it just makes sense. He’s got the passion, the brains, and now the opportunity to help take this program to the next level.”Brady Quinn’s return to Notre Dame isn’t just a feel-good story. It’s a strategic move with the potential to reshape the program’s identity at the most important position in sports. His presence signals that Notre Dame is serious about development, recruiting, and culture—and that the school isn’t afraid to lean into its storied past to carve out a dominant future.