The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to hire former Wisconsin defensive back Aaron Henry as their co-defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.
Henry most recently spent the last five seasons on Bret Bielema's Illinois staff, the first two as the program's defensive backs coach and the last three as its defensive coordinator. His defensive unit played a major role in the team's 19 combined wins over the last two seasons.
Henry previously played under Bielema at Wisconsin from 2007-11. He appeared in 53 games during that time, starting 30, and totaled 181 tackles, seven for loss, 4 1/2 sacks, seven interceptions, two pick-sixes, 10 pass deflections, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. The talented safety earned second and first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
The former Badger replaces Mike Mickens, who recently left for an NFL assistant position, on the Notre Dame staff. He and co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash will look to improve a defense that finished 11th in scoring in 2025.
Notre Dame is expected to hire Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as a co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 1, 2026
Has been a key figure in Illinois posting 19 wins the last two seasons, the winningest two-year run in school history. pic.twitter.com/r7J1W0c3A8
Henry is not the only former Badger on the move this offseason. Jim Leonhard took the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator job, both Jay Valai and Bobby April III joined the Bills' staff, and Scott Tolzien recently interviewed for the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator job.
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin football Aaron Henry hired Notre Dame defensive coordinator