Jan. 29, 2026, 10:02 p.m. ET
Notre Dame linebackers coach Al Washington has been hired by the Miami Dolphins, filling a vacancy under new head coach Jeff Hafley. The two worked together at Ohio State when Hafley was the co-defensive coordinator and Washington was the Buckeyes’ linebackers coach. Washington is expected to be the Dolphins’ linebackers coach as well.
Washington has had a vast coaching career in college football, beginning in 2008 as a graduate assistant at NC State. He then held roles at Elon, Boston College, Cincinnati, Michigan and Ohio State before landing at Notre Dame as the defensive line coach from 2022-2023. He was then elevated to run game coordinator as well as retaining his position as the defensive line coach from 2023-2025.
With Washington as a key contributor in game-planning and coordinating against the run game, the Fighting Irish were stout in 2025, finishing 10th in the nation in scoring (17.6 points) and 11th against the run (100.1 yards).
Meanwhile, Miami struggled mightily defensively a season ago, likely a big reason they fired offensive-minded head coach Mike McDaniel and hired Hafley, who was the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator.
Washington will hope to elevate the linebackers amongst a Dolphins unit that finished 24th in points allowed and 27th in run defense.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Contact/Follow@College_Wire on X and@College_Wires on Threads. Like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of college sports news, notes, and opinions.