Notre Dame Strengthens Football Program with NFL Coach Charlie Partridge
Notre Dame has bolstered its football coaching staff by bringing in NFL coach Charlie Partridge from the Indianapolis Colts to serve as defensive line coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. This move comes shortly after the university secured head coach Marcus Freeman with a new contract amid interest from both NFL teams and other college programs. The hiring demonstrates Notre Dame’s continued commitment to building a championship-caliber program under Freeman’s leadership, providing him with experienced coaching talent to develop the Fighting Irish defense.
The addition of Partridge brings significant experience to South Bend. His coaching career spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1996 and including notable stints at major programs like Iowa State, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and Pittsburgh. Partridge also served as head coach at Florida Atlantic from 2014 to 2016 and most recently worked as co-defensive coordinator at Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2023 before his brief move to the NFL with the Colts earlier this year. His extensive background across multiple coaching roles has earned him a strong reputation in football circles, making him a valuable addition to Freeman’s staff.
This staff restructuring was made possible by Notre Dame’s decision to shift Al Washington from defensive line coach to linebackers coach, creating the vacancy that Partridge will now fill. The hiring represents another strategic move in Freeman’s ongoing efforts to build a coaching staff capable of competing at the highest levels of college football. Partridge will be tasked with developing the defensive line, a critical component of Notre Dame’s defense as they face increasingly competitive schedules in the evolving landscape of college football.
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua has been unequivocal in his support for Freeman, making it clear that the university is fully committed to providing the resources necessary for long-term success. “One of my main obligations and responsibilities to this university is to make sure Marcus wakes up every day knowing that he is supported and valued by Notre Dame,” Bevacqua stated in December. This commitment extends beyond mere words, as evidenced by the university’s willingness to make Freeman “at the top, top, top tier of college football coaches when it comes to compensation every year.”
The university’s investment in Freeman and his staff reflects a recognition of football’s importance to Notre Dame’s identity and brand. By securing Freeman with a competitive contract and allowing him to build his coaching staff with high-quality assistants like Partridge, Notre Dame has demonstrated its determination to remain among college football’s elite programs. Bevacqua has emphasized the perfect fit between Freeman and the university, noting that they are “totally aligned around the importance of college football for Notre Dame.”
As college football continues to evolve with changes to NIL rules, transfer regulations, and conference realignments, Notre Dame’s strategic moves to strengthen its coaching staff position the program well for future success. The addition of Partridge brings NFL-level coaching expertise to the defensive line, potentially enhancing player development and recruitment. With Freeman secured as the long-term leader and surrounded by experienced assistants, Notre Dame fans have reason for optimism as the Fighting Irish continue their pursuit of returning to national championship contention.
