“Notre Dame Football Unlocks a Strategic Secret: Why Zone Defense Could Change the Game!”

As the spring practices unfold at Notre Dame, there’s a noticeable buzz surrounding the football program, particularly around the defensive strategies being implemented by the new coordinator, Chris Ash. This shift towards incorporating zone coverage techniques—mixed with the team’s well-known man-to-man approach—is stirring excitement among players and fans alike. Adon Shuler, a returning safety, has remarked on how this evolution will not only enhance the team’s versatility but also prepare players for the next level of competition, where adaptability is key. With the stakes higher than ever as they look to build on their previous success—having led the nation in pass efficiency defense for two consecutive seasons—the coaching staff, led by head coach Marcus Freeman, is intent on challenging their players and pushing them out of their comfort zones. Thus, this spring is not merely about rehearsing established strategies; it’s an opportunity to cement a more dynamic defensive identity moving forward. Want to find out more about how Ash’s NFL experience is shaping this defense? LEARN MORE.

Asked about the pivot to zone defense this spring, fourth-year coach Marcus Freeman smiled before answering.SOUTH BEND —Adon Shuler, returning starter at safety for Notre Dame football, has been getting used to hearing the Z-word more this spring in practice and in meetings with new defensive coordinator Chris Ash.Notre Dame relied on a sticky secondary in its run to the College Football Playoff national championship game last season, but Ohio State’s weapon-rich offensive eventually wore it down.

Freeman’s answer suggested this would be a continuing conversation among the coaching staff.“There’s some talent back there,” Ash said. “I see guys that can run, that can cover. And I know they can hit, so I’m not worried about that. We can play man; we can play zone with them. … I really like what I see out of that group.”

“Again, you’re playing Cover-3, Cover-4, Cover-2 — there’s only so many coverages you can play,” said Freeman, who ran the Irish defense in 2021. “But the details in how you play, how you match things, all those details of zone defense can be different.

Another tool in the toolbox for Notre Dame defense

“It was kind of a decision … probably a thought from Chris Ash more than anything, and that I confirmed, that we have to continue to enhance the way we play zone,” Freeman said. “We can’t play man every play. We know that. We’re pretty good at playing man, so let’s be intentional about continuing to find ways to get better at playing zone.”“We’ll decide after spring and in the summer and fall camp what we’ll hang our hats on,” he said. “But I think it’s been a commitment from Coach Ash, the whole defensive staff and myself on down to say, ‘OK, let’s continue to find ways to enhance the way we play zone.’“

After leading the nation in pass efficiency defense the past two seasons, Notre Dame is mixing in some zone coverages with its vaunted man-to-man identity.With two-time All-America safety Xavier Watts and boundary cornerback Benjamin Morrison projected as Day 2 NFL Draft picks, Ash and defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Mickens must break in multiple new starters. Alabama graduate transfer Devonta Smith is slated to replace former Arizona State import Jordan Clark as the primary nickelback as well.“It’s been a really good challenge for our guys, especially the returning starters, guys that have played a lot, to learn, ‘Hey, what is Coach Ash emphasizing in this zone coverage?’ It’s going to help us as we get into the fall.”Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.

“It’s been a great challenge for our defense,” Freeman said. “If we asked them just to go out and play man and do the things we’ve done in the past consistently, they without hesitation would be able to do it.”Ash, who co-coordinated Ohio State’s defense in its previous CFP title season (2014), also brings NFL concepts after spending the past four years at the pro level.Asked recently about an abundance of young safeties at his disposal, Ash mentioned the zone possibilities then as well.“Everybody in the country last year knew we were playing man every snap,” Shuler said after a recent practice. “(Playing zone) would help us be more versatile. That’s what they look at for the next level as well: Can you play zone? Can you play man? This defense will help me be a complete safety.”File this spring project under the heading of exiting one’s comfort zone.