After an embarrassing loss to the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday, Notre Dame has parted ways with defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder.
The team announced Sunday morning VanGorder has been fired after a 1-3 start to the season.
“This is a difficult decision,” said Fighting Irish head coach Brian Kelly in a statement. “I have the utmost respect for Brian as both a person and football coach, but our defense simply isn’t it where it should be and I believe this change is necessary for the best interest of our program and our student-athletes.
“It’s never easy to make a change on your staff, but I’m confident in Greg’s ability to lead our defense. As a former player at Notre Dame and an experienced defensive coordinator, he not only understands the expectations necessary to compete at the highest level, but he’ll bring a fresh perspective to our sideline, practice field and meeting rooms.”
With a vacancy at defensive coordinator, Kelly announced Greg Hudson, the team’s defensive analyst, would assume the role.
The Irish allowed 134 in their first four games of the 2016 season, which is the most in team history. VanGorder’s firing comes after just two full seasons as the defensive coordinator.
The Fighting Irish hope Hudson can turn their season around on Saturday, Oct. 1 against the Syracuse Orange.
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