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Meet Notre Dame’s New DL Coach: Charlie Partridge


The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have bolstered their defensive front with a significant addition to the coaching staff, naming Charlie Partridge as the Peter Schivarelli Defensive Line Coach for the 2026 season.


Announced officially by the program on January 7, Partridge joins head coach Marcus Freeman's staff after spending the previous two seasons coaching the defensive line for the Indianapolis Colts. The hire comes as part of a defensive staff shuffle, with former DL coach Al Washington transitioning to oversee the linebackers—a move aimed at optimizing personnel development across the front seven.


Partridge, 52, brings a wealth of experience spanning more than 28 years in both college and professional football. His resume includes prominent stops such as assistant head coach and defensive line coach at Pittsburgh (2018-2023), where he earned FootballScoop Defensive Line Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2022. During his time at Pitt, Partridge mentored standout talents like unanimous All-American and first-round NFL Draft pick Calijah Kancey, along with consensus All-Americans Patrick Jones II and Rashad Weaver.


Earlier in his career, Partridge served as head coach at Florida Atlantic (2014-2016), associate head coach/co-defensive coordinator at Wisconsin (2011-12), and in various roles at Arkansas and other programs. Notably, this marks the fifth time Partridge has worked alongside Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash, including their time together at Wisconsin (where he coached JJ Watt) and Arkansas—a reunion Freeman highlighted as a key factor in the hire. "Charlie’s record of developing highly impactful defensive linemen speaks for itself," Freeman said in the program's announcement. "His experience in both college football and the NFL, as well as his experience working with Chris Ash, will be very beneficial to our program.”


Freeman has praised Partridge's football acumen, calling him one of the smartest Xs-and-Os minds he's encountered. The coach's NFL background is expected to provide a professional-level edge in technique, scheme, and player preparation—particularly valuable as Notre Dame aims to maintain its status as a College Football Playoff contender.


The timing of Partridge's arrival has already shown promise on the recruiting and transfer front. He has been active in evaluating and offering top defensive line prospects, including elite 2027 pass rushers, and his prior connections have facilitated quick reunions and additions. For instance, Pittsburgh transfer DL Francis Brewu committed to Notre Dame shortly after Partridge's hire, reuniting with his former coach. Partridge's presence has also been credited in discussions around potential portal additions like Oregon's Tionne Gray and others, while he and the staff have hit the road hard for high-profile visits.


Partridge's emphasis on development aligns perfectly with Notre Dame's goals for a reloaded defensive line in 2026. With returning talents like edge rusher Boubacar Traore opting to stay for another season rather than enter the NFL Draft, and potential incoming transfers bolstering depth, expectations are high for the Irish front to generate more pressure and run-stopping prowess. As Notre Dame prepares for spring practices and the upcoming season, Partridge's blend of college success, head coaching experience, and recent NFL seasoning positions him as a pivotal figure in Freeman's defensive vision. The Fighting Irish appear poised to take another step forward in the trenches with this veteran addition leading the charge. 


Go Irish!

 
 
 

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