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Notre Dame Football: Top 3 candidates to replace Clark Lea as defensive coordinator

By Dante Pryor

Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman high fives Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) as he comes off the field following a special teams play in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game against the Army Black Knights, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bearcats won 24-10.Army Black Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats Sept 26
Cincinnati Bearcats defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman high fives Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) as he comes off the field following a special teams play in the fourth quarter during an NCAA college football game against the Army Black Knights, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bearcats won 24-10.Army Black Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats Sept 26 /
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Apr 21, 2018; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive backs coach Terry Joseph watches in the third quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2018; Notre Dame, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive backs coach Terry Joseph watches in the third quarter of the Blue-Gold Game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Terry Joseph, defensive backs coach, Notre Dame

Defense backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph came to Notre Dame when Mike Elko left for Texas A&M. Joseph came to the Irish with quite the reputation. He’s a great recruiter who has worked wonders with the Irish secondary.

Before coming to Notre Dame, Joseph had stops at Tennessee, Texas A&M, Nebraska and North Carolina. Some of the players Joseph coached along the way include Justin Evans (Tennessee), Brandon Williams (Texas A&M), M.J. Stewart (North Carolina) and Daimion Stafford (Nebraska).

Joseph’s impact on the Notre Dame secondary was instantaneous. In 2018, the Notre Dame passing defense finished tied for second in passing yards per attempt (5.6) and tied for third in passing yards per attempt in 2019. Among the players Joseph has coached during his time in South Bend include Alohi Gilman, Jalen Elliot and Kyle Hamilton.

The Irish also ranked tenth in touchdown passes allowed in 2018.

Hiring Joseph means continuity for the Irish defense. Notre Dame would likely continue to employ the 4-2-5 multiple defense brought to South Bend by Mike Elko and continued by Clark Lea. The strength of the defense would also continue to be the secondary and pass rush. If Joseph is promoted, it is likely as a co-coordinator role with Mike Elston.

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