Marcus Freeman Fires DC Coach Al Golden, Hires Former Star Player Raghib Ismail as New Defensive Coordinator
In a surprising shake-up at Notre Dame, head coach Marcus Freeman has fired defensive coordinator Al Golden after two seasons at the helm of the defense. Golden, who had joined the Fighting Irish staff in 2021, saw mixed results during his tenure, as Notre Dame’s defense struggled with consistency, particularly in high-profile matchups. Freeman, who has been focused on revitalizing the team and returning to national championship contention, cited a need for a fresh direction on the defensive side of the ball.
In a bold move to signal the program’s commitment to both tradition and innovation, Freeman has named former Notre Dame star Raghib “Rocket” Ismail as the new defensive coordinator. Ismail, a legendary wide receiver for the Fighting Irish in the early 1990s, brings both a deep understanding of the Notre Dame culture and a hunger for success.
Ismail, known for his electrifying playmaking ability on offense during his college career, is stepping into his first coaching role at the collegiate level. Though his experience in defensive strategy is limited, Ismail’s leadership qualities and his reputation as one of Notre Dame’s most beloved players have earned him the trust of Freeman and university officials. The move is seen as an attempt to energize the team with a dynamic leader who understands the program’s storied history and its future aspirations.
Freeman has made it clear that he expects immediate improvement on defense, especially in terms of discipline, aggressiveness, and ability to adapt in high-pressure situations. Ismail’s hiring has been met with excitement from fans, who are hopeful that his passion for the program will translate into success on the field.
As Notre Dame heads into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Ismail as he takes on the responsibility of shaping a defense that aims to elevate the Fighting Irish back to prominence in college football.
