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SOUTH BEND — The Golden Years will continue for Notre Dame football’s highly rated defense.
According to a source, defensive coordinator Al Golden has agreed to a contract extension that runs through the 2027 season. Football Scoop was the first to report that Golden, 54, had agreed to terms that are believed to align with the four-year, $9 million deal that lured former LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock back to the Irish in December.
In addition, veteran running backs coach Deland McCullough has been named associate head coach, a title he also held in 2021 at Indiana. McCullough’s official bio on the university web site no longer includes a designation as run game coordinator.
In Golden and Denbrock, 60, Notre Dame has two of the most experienced and well-regarded coordinators at the college level. Denbrock was a finalist for the Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach last season, while Golden was among the nominees.
Under Denbrock, LSU led the nation in scoring last season and quarterback Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. With Golden calling the defense, Notre Dame’s 2023 edition led the nation in defensive pass efficiency and tied for seventh in scoring average allowed (15.9).
Offensive coordinator: Marcus Freeman used direct pitch to bring Mike Denbrock back to Notre Dame football
Just five Power Five programs were stingier on defense last season: Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa and Georgia.
Hired in February 2022 after six seasons as an NFL assistant coach, Golden explained during Sun Bowl week what still made Notre Dame a fit for him amid a rapidly changing college football landscape.
“There’s a confluence of so many things coming together in December that make it challenging,” Golden said. “What makes it easier for all of us as coaches is Coach (Marcus) Freeman. Just the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/source-notre-dame-football-retains-202458709.html
Author : South Bend Tribune
Publish date : 2024-02-16 20:24:58
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