Notre Dame’s defensive staff revamp almost is complete.
Sources tell FootballScoop that the Fighting Irish are working to finalize a deal with Brian Jean-Mary as the new linebackers coach in Marcus Freeman’s program and Chris Ash’s Notre Dame defensive system.
Most recently, Jean-Mary was a top assistant on the Michigan Wolverines defensive staff, first working under Jim Harbaugh as the Wolverines controversially captured the 2023 College Football Playoff Championship and then staying at Michigan in the transition to Sherrone Moore. Moore was fired amidst his arrest in December.
Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham, the former Utah coach, to replace Moore, and Whittingham brought in numerous new coaches.
However, Jean-Mary still is under contract with Michigan. This element means that the Wolverines will be on the hook for part of Jean-Mary’s salary through at least the next calendar year. Michigan had awarded Jean-Mary a contract that ran through at least early 2027 at paid Jean-Mary an average of more than $900,000 annually.
In addition to his work at Michigan, which spans two stints, Jean-Mary was heralded for his help on Tim Banks’ Tennessee defensive staff earlier this decade. Indeed, the Volunteers dipped dramatically in the years after Jean-Mary exited Rocky Top, and Josh Heupel fired Banks after the 2025 season.
Jean-Mary also has additional Power Conference experience at Georgia Tech and Texas, among other stops. An Appalachian State graduate, he. began his coaching career at Louisville.
His impending addition brings Notre Dame’s on-field assistant coaching staff back to full at the moment. Jean-Mary would formally replace the departed Al Washington, who exited last week for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
Ex-Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry is joining the Irish staff to replace Mike Mickens in helming the Notre Dame secondary. Mickens left in late January for a job with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.