Report: Notre Dame to hire Illinois' Aaron Henry as co-DC

Field Level Media|published: 02/01/2026, 5:52pm EST

Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; General view of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Aaron Henry is expected to leave Illinois to join the Notre Dame coaching staff, according to a report by CBS Sports.

Henry will step in as co-defensive coordinator and take over the defensive backs, giving Marcus Freeman another experienced piece as he reshapes the defensive staff in South Bend.

The move also answers an immediate vacancy for the Fighting Irish after Mike Mickens departed for the Baltimore Ravens, where he's joining Jesse Minter's staff as defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

Henry's exit would close a five-year run with the Fighting Illini that began in 2021 as the defensive backs coach under Bret Bielema. He was elevated to defensive coordinator in 2023 after Ryan Walters left to become head coach at Purdue.

Illinois' win total rose to 19 victories over the past two seasons, a program-best for a two-year span, even as Henry faced criticism at times for defensive inconsistency. The Illini ranked 46th nationally, allowing 344.9 yards per game, and 57th with 23.6 points allowed per game last season. Notre Dame was 22nd (312.7 ypg) and 11th (17.6 ppg) in those same categories.

--Field Level Media