Head coach Marcus Freeman had the responsibility of filling the roles of defensive coordinator Al Golden and running backs coach Deland McCullough during this offseason. Both coaches played a crucial role in Notre Dame’s achievements in 2024. Coach Freeman identified their substitutes in Chris Ash, the newly appointed defensive coordinator, and Ja’Juan Seider, the new coach for running backs.
Today, both assistant coaches took to the podium to speak to the Irish nation for the first time since their hiring. They talked about their journey that ultimately brought them to South Bend, and what we as supporters can anticipate from them in the upcoming season.
Below are a few of their statements from the press conference held this afternoon:
Chris Ash Discusses His Defensive Strategy
“Philosophically speaking, as we consider this situation, I see it this way: if it’s functioning well, there’s no need to alter it.” That was truly the discussion Coach Freeman and I had regarding this matter. The defense has shown outstanding football performance here. There have been standards, there has been accountability, they are well-trained, and we are simply exploring methods to improve and enhance it. In essence, we’ll continue performing many of the same activities that have already been carried out here. While terminology and a few fundamentals may shift slightly, ultimately, Notre Dame’s defensive style will remain consistent with how they have historically played defense.
“I’m here to integrate with them; they’re not here to accommodate me, I’m here to accommodate them.” The team, the athletes, the strategy, the overall ethos of the organization—these are the elements I’m looking to join. This defense belongs to Notre Dame, it is not my defense. This belongs to Notre Dame. “I’m here to help maintain the success they’ve achieved on defense and seek ways to enhance it, that’s all.”
Chris Ash Returning to College
“I truly appreciated what I was engaged in.” Last year, I worked in personnel in Jacksonville, and I appreciated it because it was an excellent learning experience. I wasn’t seeking a new job, but Coach Freeman reached out, and we began some preliminary discussions. I examined the entire situation, and it’s Notre Dame, the kind of individuals who are drawn to Notre Dame, the athletes, the staff, and clearly the recent achievements and the potential for ongoing success ahead. Combining all those factors made this an obvious choice for me. It would require a great deal to move on from our situation, but this was one of those opportunities that you simply cannot ignore.
Ja’Juan Seider Discusses His Coaching Approach
“As a coach, I firmly believe that you should coach the lower part of your roster just like you do with the upper part, and that’s how you create depth, as your fifth player could easily become your first.” You need to prepare this way all week, as I firmly believe we should always have four players ready during the season. Preparing five or six players is challenging, but having four players in the rotation allows them to learn and be ready for game play. There may be a sprain in the ankle. Isn’t that so? We engage in a physical game; we hold the position where, on every play, someone aims to tackle you. “We need to prepare our players and develop depth to achieve the championship.”
“I believed one of the best aspects of competing against this team last year from my offensive perspective was their numerous injuries, which made it hard to tell who was playing.” Was a man hurt? Have they been playing throughout the year? “It stands as proof of what Coach Freeman has developed.”
Ja’Juan Seider Regarding Recruiting Advantages
“It’s about building relationships and fostering trust with the players, but it also extends to their families.” Those children didn’t arrive on their own; it’s the mother, the father, perhaps the grandparent raising that child, it might be the uncle, or even the individual at the school you often overlook. It could be that janitor who is very friendly with that person or whoever it is. For me, it’s simply discovering who the person in charge is. Who are these individuals? Who is assisting these children in making a choice? We reside in a transactional environment with NIL and revenue sharing emerging. However, at a certain time, it has to be fair, correct? What will distinguish Notre Dame’s payment from Ohio State’s and Penn State’s contributions? It’s all about connections.
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