(Photo: Fighting Irish Media)
Charlie Partridge is back in college football, and the Notre Dame defensive line room is about to get a masterclass in technique, brains, and relentless evaluation.
On Wednesday, Charlie Partridge stepped in front of the Notre Dame media for the first time as the Fighting Irish’s new defensive line coach. Known for his technical acumen and recruiting prowess, Partridge didn’t disappoint—giving insight into his philosophy, his approach to the roster, and his long-standing partnership with defensive coordinator Chris Ash.
The Move from Colts to Notre Dame
Partridge spoke candidly about leaving the NFL, emphasizing relationships and timing over drama. He noted, “I loved my experience with the Colts… it was not an easy decision, but then it was. Whether you guys know it or not…it was a pretty special place led by a pretty special head coach. And then you combine that with a pretty unique relationship with me and the defensive coordinator, it became an opportunity that was obvious.”
His respect for the professional ranks was evident, recalling the trust and maturity he encountered with NFL players: “As long as you’re the same guy every day as a coach…prove you know what you’re talking about and help them in any little way. That was fun…high-level conversations with these guys.”
A Long-Standing Partnership with Chris Ash
Partridge and Ash’s professional relationship reads like a blueprint in continuity and trust. Having coached together at five different stops—Drake, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Arkansas, and now Notre Dame—Partridge emphasized the unique chemistry: “We can have real conversations without an emotional barrier…all us coaches, we’re all alphas…all that stuff with me and Chris doesn’t matter. We can really have real conversations and move on, which is pretty special.”
On game-day collaboration, Partridge highlighted their synchronicity: “There’s times for sure…he says we’re going through the tape, you’re right. Chris, are you doing this because of that? Or vice versa…we do know how to make things work together.”
Immediate Impact in the Transfer Portal
Partridge wasted no time targeting the transfer portal, bringing in players like Francis Brewu, Tionne Gray, and Keon Keely. He praised Notre Dame’s personnel department for their preparation: “I think they had us on some really good ones…then it became, who can fit at Notre Dame? My background goes back to Brewu…saw that on tape at Pitt, and I think there’s still a lot of room for improvement…so I’m excited to actually get the chance to work with him now.”
On early enrollment and player integration: “At least now, you know who your team is for a year…you’re with that 2026 team for roughly a calendar year…having the majority of kids coming in early…you’ve got your team.”
Technique, Rotations, and Development
Partridge’s philosophy is rooted in technique and consistent evaluation. On managing one of the biggest position groups on the roster, he said: “It really will be an evaluation that never stops. Ever. Mid-game, if there’s someone not playing well, we’ll flip. You just can’t rest…you have to do it again today.”
Rotation philosophy? History and math: “Going into ‘09…regardless of how ready that next person or group is, I have to get them in…now I’ve got math in my head…two D-tackles, roughly 80 plays a game…if you have four guys, two deep, they’re all going to get about 40 apiece.”
He also underscored the impact of rotation in recruiting: “Absolutely. And you’re not going to do that in the NFL…top guys are playing 40. It’s just how it is.”
Player Development and Weight Management
Partridge is meticulous about player development, tailoring technique to each athlete’s frame. On Tionne Gray dropping to 315 pounds: “It’s a little bit about lean body mass…movement skills…as long as he loses the right 10 pounds…he’s good.”
On Brewu, who he recruited but never coached while at Pittsburgh: “Certain technique things each guy’s going to have to lean in on a little bit different…with a guy who’s maybe a little lighter…he’s strong, but…he’s working his tail off.”
Final Takeaway
Experience, results, and already on the same page with Chris Ash: Charlie Partridge looks and sounds like another Marcus Freeman, game changing hire.