The Irish will have a new man running their defense next fall.

According to multiple reports, Wake Forest Defensive Coordinator Mike Elko is expected to be hired for the same position at Notre Dame.

Elko led the Demon Deacons to a top 20 ranking in scoring defense this season and has been instrumental in Wake Forest's rebuild. The Demon Deacons finished 6-6 this season despite having one of the worst offenses in all of college football.

Elko becomes the first domino in the retooling of Notre Dame's coaching staff. Earlier this week, Scott Booker was fired as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach and offensive coordinator Mike Sanford left to become the head coach at Western Kentucky.

No official word has come from Notre Dame, but Elko is expected to receive a three year deal.

Notre Dame finished No. 62 in scoring defense this year (27.8), No. 45 in total defense (378.8) and No. 102 in turnovers gained (14).