Notre Dame is expected to hire Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, according to multiple reports. Henry, who has served as Illinois's full-time defensive coordinator since 2023 and helped lead the Illini to a 10-win season and Citrus Bowl victory in 2024, is leaving Illinois after three seasons in the coordinator role. His tenure at Illinois saw a decline in defensive performance, especially after key players graduated, with the team allowing an average of 28.6 points per game during conference play in 2024. Despite some improvements in 2024, the defense struggled in key games in 2023, notably against Washington and Wisconsin. Henry, a former Wisconsin player and undrafted NFL free agent, has coaching experience at Arkansas, Rutgers, North Carolina State, and Vanderbilt. He played at Wisconsin from 2007-2011, earning All-Big Ten honors, and has been recognized as Football Scoop’s defensive backs coach of the year in 2022. At Notre Dame, Henry will work alongside defensive coordinator Chris Ash, whom he previously worked with at Rutgers. The Irish are considering whether Henry will also take on the co-DC role, in addition to coaching the defensive backs, replacing Mike Mickens. Henry’s hiring is seen as a move to strengthen Notre Dame’s defense, which aims to build on its successful first season under Ash.