Notre Dame Strength and Conditioning Team Transitions: A Look at Recent Changes and Continuity for the 2026 Season

Notre Dame Strength and Conditioning Team Transitions: A Look at Recent Changes and Continuity for the 2026 Season

Notre Dame is bidding farewell to a long-serving member of its strength and conditioning team as Fred Hale has accepted a position with the Philadelphia Eagles. Hale, who joined Notre Dame alongside head coach Marcus Freeman in 2021, played a significant role as the associate director of football strength and conditioning. He even stepped in as the interim head of the program in 2023 following a sudden departure. Despite his departure, Hale's impact on the Fighting Irish remains undeniable.

While there were speculations about Loren Landow potentially leaving Notre Dame for the NFL, recent social media posts suggest that he will stay for his third season with the team. Landow has been actively involved in leading intense winter workout sessions, aligning with the team's motto for the 2026 season, "leave no doubt." Despite the loss of key staff members like Max Bullough, Al Washington, and Mike Mickens, Notre Dame has successfully filled these positions with competent replacements, ensuring continuity in the coaching staff.

The upcoming spring practices, scheduled to begin in late March and culminate in the Blue-Gold Game on April 25, will provide an opportunity for the new coaches to imprint their styles on Notre Dame's gameplay. With the retention of crucial coaches like Mike Denbrock, Chris Ash, and Marty Biagi, along with the addition of talented replacements, the Irish have managed to maintain a strong coaching foundation as they prepare for the upcoming season.