Notre Dame DC Al Golden Goes In-Depth on Irish Defense

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden coached a linebacker corps that went to the Super Bowl last fall. This year, Golden is tasked with coaching one of the deepest and most experienced linebacker units in the country. 

First impressions were made in the spring, but through four days of preseason camp, Golden has been impressed with what he’s seen from the Irish linebackers. 

"It's really a smart group,” stated Golden. “They can think and control it on the grass. We empower them to do so. We want them to make decisions. They aren't always right at this stage of training camp, but if we're all on the same page, we can still play the down. 

"Again, they do what we ask every day. It's a really tough, gritty group, but talented. I'm really excited about these guys." 

The intelligence of his linebacker room has also allowed Golden to cross-train each linebacker at different positions at the second level, including some playing all three spots. 

"We kind of roll them through as much as we can between Rover, Mike and Will,” Golden explained. “We do want to build depth that way. It's a long season and you don't know who will end up at Rover or Will. We're definitely doing that."

Senior Jack Kiser is in that group. Some feel inside backer could be his best position, but Golden seems set on keeping him outside for the time being. 

"He could play a bunch of different positions,” Golden said. “We're just cross-training a lot of guys right now. He's a natural Rover. He has a lot of reps built up there, but he could play them all. He's a very smart young man and great to work with." 

Golden also inherits a deep and experienced defensive line across the board. He also has players who can play a number of different positions, which allows him to be creative when it comes to alignments and responsibilities. 

"It does give us the flexibility to play a bunch of different fronts,” explained Golden. “Al's (Washington) done a great job with those guys and Coach (Mike) Moon. They come to work every day. Veteran group, good leaders in that room. 

"Guys that are unselfish and not afraid to play hard positions, tough techniques when maybe it's not as comfortable as just edge rushing all the time. We really appreciate the effort they're giving."

One name back with the defensive line is junior Jordan Botelho, who spent the spring working as a linebacker after playing edge and linebacker last fall. 

Golden admitted those outside the program might see it as a problem if a player can’t stick at one spot, but the veteran coach views Botelho’s flexibility as a strength. 

"I love that he can do that,” Golden stated. “Sometimes the perception on the outside is it may not be good, but it is good. It is good he can play a bunch of different things. He has a great body type. He's close to 250 now. He's had a great summer and I'm really excited about the way he's playing right now." 

When it comes the secondary, Notre Dame has experience at cornerback and quietly building depth with Jaden Mickey’s rise up the depth chart. Brandon Joseph brings his All-American talent to the secondary and while the Irish safety room has experience, Golden is still figuring out which combination of safeties he wants on the field. 

“I love it,” Golden said of the growth from the secondary. “I love what they're doing—just the togetherness. The safeties and corners - the communication has been really, really good. Again, we're not always in the right call, but we're all in the same call and that's really important. They have a brotherhood there. The questions, engagement and all of that has been phenomenal. Just in general, I'm really excited about those guys. 

"We're changing different groups. We're giving guys different looks with the first or second team. I think it's great for morale and guys are responding to it." 

Notre Dame has yet to put on full pads, so there will be plenty of time for players to make moves this month and that’s why Golden’s focus has been on developing his defense and getting his guys to master various elements of the game. 

"We're trying to develop a defense that can react to situations,” Golden said. “We want to be masters of situational football, whether it's 3rd-and-2, we're backed up, short yardage, goal line or low red zone. There's a certain way we want to conduct the game. The guys understand that and are starting to improve on that. 

"We want to be fast and physical. We want to disrupt the ball. Those are some characteristics of it. We want to be a disruptive group. I think we do have speed and guys that will run to the ball. And in a lot of those cases, they can create plays on the run and disrupt the football." 

Golden seemed pleased with where his defense currently sits and he also is thrilled with where the entire program is headed under Marcus Freeman. 

"He's a great leader,” said Golden. “Marcus doesn't need me, but when he does have a question about something, I'm there and everyone on the staff feels the same way. He's a natural leader. He knows exactly where he wants to take this team and the program. 

"He's got a great blueprint for it. I serve for coach. Whatever he needs from me, I'm there for him. He knows that. Right now, it's just supporting his vision and it's an awesome vision." 

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