Notre Dame is on the hunt for a new linebackers coach, and they've set their sights on a familiar face in the college football coaching world: Brian Jean-Mary. According to On3's Pete Nakos, the Irish are in talks with Jean-Mary, who has an impressive resume that includes stops at Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee. But here's where it gets interesting... Jean-Mary's path to Notre Dame is not without its twists and turns. He was set to join the Georgia Tech coaching staff in 2026, but that plan fell through after the sudden departure of Sherrone Moore from Michigan. Now, he's being courted by Notre Dame, which presents an intriguing scenario for fans and coaches alike.
Jean-Mary's expertise lies in coaching linebackers, and he has a proven track record of developing top talent. At Michigan, he worked alongside current Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash, which could be a key factor in his potential move to South Bend. Additionally, Jean-Mary's experience at Tennessee and South Florida adds to his impressive coaching resume. If he joins Notre Dame, he'll be replacing Al Washington, who recently took a job with the Miami Dolphins. This move would complete Notre Dame's defensive coaching staff, as they already have defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and defensive backs coach Aaron Henry in place.
But the real question is: Why is Jean-Mary now being considered for Notre Dame? One possible explanation is that his connection with Ash could be a significant factor. However, it's also worth noting that Jean-Mary's unique background, which includes a stint as a graduate assistant at multiple schools, might offer a fresh perspective for the Irish defense. His experience at Louisville, South Carolina, and North Alabama adds depth to his coaching repertoire.
If Jean-Mary does join Notre Dame, it would be a significant addition to the coaching staff. His hiring would fill the final vacancy and create a well-rounded defensive coaching team. But will he make the move? The answer to that question could spark some interesting discussions among college football fans and coaches. So, what do you think? Is Jean-Mary the right fit for Notre Dame? Or is there a counterpoint to this move that we're missing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!