Notre Dame reportedly adds Big Ten defensive coordinator to coaching staff originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Notre Dame will reportedly hire Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
The underrated addition for Marcus Freeman gives the Irish depth heading into the 2026 season. Henry, who has been on Illinois’ staff the past five seasons, replaces Mike Mickens, who left for a role on the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive staff under new coach Jesse Minter.
Advertisement
The Irish finished 11th in the nation for points allowed in 2025, but were snubbed for the College Football Playoff after two early-season losses to Texas A&M and Miami. Henry spent the past three seasons as Illinois’ defensive coordinator and helped the team to 24 wins, including consecutive bowl wins in the past two seasons.
Notre Dame secondary will be strong next year. Jim Thorpe finalist Leonard Moore joins Colorado transfer DJ McKinney and Christian Gray, along with safeties Adon Shuler and Tae Johnson.
More:ESPN analyst drops controversial No. 1 in way-too-early Top 25 rankings
Overall, Notre Dame’s defense was projected as a top-10 unit nationally going into the 2025 season. Pro Football Focus ranked it sixth-best heading into the campaign. This year, the unit is expected to be elite again with top-tier talent in the secondary and defensive line, and are ranked as a national title contender. Nine of the top 10 tacklers from last season are expected back, and the 2026 class features a standout, dominant defensive unit.
Advertisement
