Al Washington Leaving Notre Dame for Miami Dolphins, plus the Mailbag! Coaching Candidates, Player Predictions, and More

Notre Dame football is undergoing major defensive coaching changes as Al Washington departs for the NFL, Mike Mickens moves on, and Marcus Freeman reshapes the Irish defensive staff ahead of the 2026 season. Tyler Wojciak breaks down why this coaching turnover isn’t a cause for panic, who the top candidates are to replace Mickens, why Jay Valai stands out, and how Notre Dame’s linebacker and secondary rooms are positioned moving forward. Tyler also dives into Keon Keeley’s ceiling, which freshmen could play early, and answers fan questions about quarterback pressure, CJ Carr’s future, and what’s next for the Irish defense.