Charlie Partridge already making early impact on Notre Dame defensive line this spring

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame’s defensive line entered spring practice with no shortage of talent and experience. But one of the biggest storylines around the group has been the arrival of new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge. Head coach Marcus Freeman hired Partridge in January to lead the Irish defensive front after Partridge spent the past two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

Before making the jump to the NFL, Partridge built a strong reputation as one of college football’s top defensive line developers. He won FootballScoop’s National Defensive Line Coach of the Year award twice while at Pittsburgh and helped coach several standout players during earlier stops, including Trey Hendrickson and J.J. Watt.

Now in South Bend, Partridge is already beginning to make an impact. Freeman said earlier this spring that the defensive line has done a strong job creating pressure, both on the interior and off the edge. He also noted the group is improving in its understanding of rush lanes and how to work together more effectively as a unit.

Freeman had high praise for Partridge’s presence within the program, saying he “couldn’t speak more highly” of him as a teacher, person and recruiter. That matters for a room loaded with intriguing names and expectations heading into the 2026 season.

Partridge also brings a long-standing relationship with Notre Dame defensive coordinator Chris Ash. The two were teammates at Drake roughly 30 years ago, and this marks the fifth time they have worked together in football.

That familiarity could be a major asset as Notre Dame continues building its defense this spring.

“We've been through so much together in the football world that we can argue or discuss things and, maybe we don’t see it the same way, and there’s no feelings. We don't have to worry about hurting each other's feelings,” Partridge said. “Even if we get to a point where maybe we’re arguing about something.”

If Partridge’s track record carries over to South Bend, Notre Dame’s defensive line may not just be deep. It could become one of the Irish’s biggest strengths in 2026.