Chris Ash finds himself walking into a dream scenario at Notre Dame. The new Fighting Irish defensive coordinator inherits a unit that was elite in 2024 under Al Golden while reaching the College Football Playoff national championship game.

The Notre Dame football team has undergone some coaching changes in the month since the Fighting Irish played in the national title game, with the biggest being on defense with new defensive coordinator Chris Ash.

It's on Freeman to be ready for change and able to expand his coaching network beyond the familiar. So far, so good.

Last season, Chris Ash was a scout for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He loved his job and was not looking for another one.