Notre Dame hires Aaron Henry as defensive backs coach, co-defensive coordinator

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame Fighting Irish football has hired former Illinois Fighting Illini football defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as its new co-defensive coordinator, replacing Mike Mickens, who left to join the Baltimore Ravens.

Henry arrives in South Bend after spending the past three seasons as Illinois’ defensive coordinator. Over the last two years, he helped guide the Illini to 19 victories — the most wins in consecutive seasons in program history.

The move also reunites Henry with Chris Ash, Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. Ash coached Henry during his senior season at Wisconsin Badgers football in 2010. The two later worked together again at Rutgers Scarlet Knights football in 2016, when Henry served as defensive backs coach under Ash.

Henry inherits a veteran secondary that is expected to be one of the strengths of the Irish defense in 2026. The unit returns standout cornerback Leonard Moore, along with corner Christian Gray and safeties Adon Shuler and Tae Johnson.

Henry said his approach will not be to overhaul what is already working, but to build on it.

“Marcus Freeman and Chris Ash, they’ve already created a really good meal,” Henry said. “So I’m just trying to add some flavor and help these young men grow in every aspect of their lives.”

Henry said football was not always his intended path. He once considered becoming a missionary, but realized coaching could provide a similar opportunity to mentor and guide young men both on and off the field.

He said the opportunity to coach at Notre Dame — and the significance of the program’s tradition — ultimately made the decision an easy one.