The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the decision could define Notre Dame’s defensive future. With defensive coordinator Al Golden departing for the NFL to lead the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense, head coach Marcus Freeman faces a critical choice. And while replacing a seasoned and successful coordinator like Golden may seem daunting, the solution could be sitting just a few doors away.
The answer? Mike Mickens.
Notre Dame’s secondary coach and Pass Game Coordinator has proven himself to be more than just a position coach—he’s a key architect of one of the nation’s most formidable defenses. Mickens represents continuity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the program’s culture, making him the ideal candidate to take the reins as the Irish’s next defensive coordinator.
Why Mickens is the Perfect Choice
Notre Dame’s defense has been nothing short of spectacular over the past two seasons. The numbers speak for themselves: first in pass efficiency defense, top-five rankings in passing yards allowed, and an impressive improvement in interceptions. These leaps in performance didn’t happen by chance. Mickens, who was promoted to Pass Game Coordinator in 2023, has been instrumental in transforming Notre Dame’s defense into a powerhouse.
Continuity is Key
Promoting Mickens would ensure the smoothest possible transition for the team. Instead of overhauling the defensive scheme or introducing new terminology, Notre Dame would maintain the structure that has brought it so much success. Mickens already understands the players, the system, and the expectations, allowing the team to hit the ground running in 2025.
The Architect of Success
Let’s not forget: Mickens didn’t just inherit a solid pass defense—he helped build it. His fingerprints are all over Notre Dame’s coverage schemes, which have consistently stifled some of the most explosive offenses in college football. In his first year as Pass Game Coordinator, the Irish made a massive leap in nearly every statistical category related to pass defense.
- In 2022, Notre Dame ranked 39th in scoring defense and 41st in pass efficiency defense.
- By 2023, the Irish led the nation in pass efficiency defense and ranked 2nd in completion percentage allowed.
- In 2024, they repeated as national leaders in pass efficiency defense, while allowing a jaw-dropping low completion percentage.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re a testament to Mickens’ strategic brilliance and ability to maximize talent.
A Proven Talent Evaluator and Developer
Mickens isn’t just a tactician; he’s a talent whisperer. Under his guidance, Notre Dame has consistently developed standout players in the secondary. Case in point: the Irish have produced Freshman All-Americans in consecutive years, including Benjamin Morrison in 2022 and Leonard Moore in 2024.
His ability to evaluate, recruit, and develop top-tier talent has been a game-changer for Notre Dame. Retaining Mickens would mean continuing this pipeline of elite secondary play, which has been the backbone of the team’s defensive dominance.
The Freeman-Mickens Connection
Marcus Freeman has long been a vocal supporter of Mickens, often praising his coaching acumen and leadership. Before the 2024 Sugar Bowl, Freeman even hinted at Mickens’ readiness for a larger role:
“He’s ready to be a defensive coordinator when he gets the right opportunity, but I’m not super excited to see him leaving our defensive coaching staff at any point soon.”
The mutual respect between Freeman and Mickens is palpable, and promoting Mickens would only strengthen that bond. Freeman, who was once a young, unproven coordinator himself, knows better than anyone what it takes to succeed in this role. His mentorship could be the perfect complement to Mickens’ skill set, helping him grow into one of the top defensive minds in college football.
But What About Experience?
Sure, Mickens has never been a full-time defensive coordinator, and critics may point to his lack of experience as a potential drawback. But let’s not forget: Marcus Freeman was just 35 when he became head coach, and Clark Lea was similarly inexperienced when he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2018. Both proved that talent, preparation, and the right mentorship can outweigh a lack of resume bullet points.
Mickens’ work as Pass Game Coordinator has already shown that he can handle the pressure and responsibility of game planning and play-calling. Elevating him to the top defensive role would simply be the next logical step.
A Gamble Worth Taking
Hiring from within isn’t just about convenience—it’s about recognizing and rewarding excellence. Mickens has earned his shot through years of hard work, innovation, and results. He’s not just the safe choice; he’s the right choice.
With Mickens at the helm, Notre Dame would retain its defensive identity while continuing to evolve and improve. His ability to connect with players, recruit elite talent, and outsmart opposing offenses makes him the perfect candidate to lead the Irish defense into the future.
The Future is Bright
Marcus Freeman has a chance to make a bold yet calculated decision that could define Notre Dame’s trajectory for years to come. Promoting Mike Mickens wouldn’t just ensure continuity; it would signal a commitment to excellence and trust in the program’s rising stars.
The Irish don’t need to look far for their next defensive mastermind. He’s already there, shaping one of the best defenses in college football. It’s time for Marcus Freeman to hand Mike Mickens the keys and watch him drive Notre Dame’s defense to even greater heights.
