Multiple sources tell FootballScoop that Notre Dame and coach Marcus Freeman are moving closer to a defensive hire to replace Al Golden. And that move is expected to be another coach with previous experience running a program.

Marcus Freeman has done one of the best jobs in college football this season, leading Notre Dame to the national championship after the Fighting Irish were upset by Northern Illinois in their second game of the season.

Former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash might have an interest in returning to college football and if true, it might take place at the national runner-up. According to Pete Sampson of The Athletic, Ash has emerged as a “strong candidate” to be the next defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame football has wasted little time attempting to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy after losing Al Golden to the NFL. The Irish are eyeing former Rutgers Scarlet Knights head coach Chris Ash to join head coach Marcus Freeman’s staff as the program attempts to build off its College Football Playoff runner-up finish this season,