Notre Dame reshapes defense as Al Washington moves to linebackers, Charlie Partridge joins staff
Notre Dame continued to adjust its defensive coaching staff, as Marcus Freeman moved Al Washington to linebackers coach and hired Charlie Partridge to lead the defensive line. Washington replaces Max Bullough, who left for Michigan State, and keeps his role as run game coordinator. Partridge arrives after two seasons with the Colts and years of college experience, adding stability and depth to Freeman’s evolving staff.
Notre Dame is continuing to reshape its defensive coaching staff as Marcus Freeman makes another move on that side of the ball. Al Washington is shifting roles and will now coach the linebackers, while Charlie Partridge has been brought in to take over the defensive line.
Washington replaces Max Bullough, who recently left Notre Dame to return to Michigan State as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Washington remains as the defensive run game coordinator and brings plenty of experience to the table, having previously coached linebackers at Ohio State and Michigan earlier in his career.
“When the linebackers' role came open, we immediately thought of Al,” Freeman said. “With his previous experience coaching linebackers, he will be a great asset to that room, and taking on this role will continue to enhance his skillset as he ultimately looks to elevate in his career.”
To fill the defensive line role, Notre Dame hired Partridge, who spent the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts coaching NFL defensive linemen. Before that, he built a long college resume, including multiple stints at Pittsburgh, where he worked as assistant head coach and defensive line coach. He also has head coaching experience from his time at Florida Atlantic.
In a statement released on Thursday, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman said, “Charlie’s record of developing highly impactful defensive linemen speaks for itself. His experience in both college football and the NFL, as well as his experience working with Chris Ash, will be very beneficial to our program.”
The changes come shortly after Freeman chose to stay at Notre Dame under a reworked contract, signaling stability at the top while the staff around him continues to evolve.