Sat Sep 20 20:10:00 UTC 2025: ## News Article:

**Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman Hints at Increased Defensive Involvement Amidst Team Struggles**

**SOUTH BEND, IN -** After two consecutive losses to start the season, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is considering taking a more active role with the Fighting Irish defense. The team, currently ranked 24th, is desperately searching for its first win as they prepare to face Purdue this Saturday.

Notre Dame’s defense, once a source of pride, has faltered in the opening games, surrendering a combined 68 points and 827 yards in losses to No. 4 Miami and No. 10 Texas A&M. This performance stands in stark contrast to last season when the Irish, under then-coordinator Al Golden, boasted one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, ranking fourth in points allowed and 11th in yards allowed. Golden has since departed for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Freeman, a former Ohio State linebacker and Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator in 2021, acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “I’m going to do whatever it takes to make sure that we improve and we have a performance that we believe is the standard for Notre Dame football.”

Despite the defensive woes, Freeman has expressed confidence in first-year defensive coordinator Chris Ash, and doesn’t plan a play-caller change. However, he hinted at a potentially increased presence on the defensive side of the ball. “I spend a lot of time with our defense, that’s obviously where my background is, and I’ll continuously do it,” Freeman said. “Will I spend more time? Maybe. If that’s what’s necessary, I will.”

Freeman emphasized the need to address the explosive plays that have plagued the defense, particularly in the recent loss to Texas A&M, where the Aggies averaged over 21 yards per completion. “We’ve had to figure out why those explosive plays occurred,” he explained. “It falls on us as coaches to make sure our guys can execute.”

The Fighting Irish will look to turn things around this Saturday against Purdue, hoping a renewed focus and potential increased involvement from Coach Freeman can spark a much-needed defensive turnaround.

Read More