Nolan Ziegler analyzes adjustment to MIKE linebacker

After two seasons of mostly watching and learning, Notre Dame linebacker Nolan Ziegler is ready for a bigger role come this fall. And he’s potentially going to be taking one on, playing MIKE linebacker for the Irish.

Speaking with reporters during spring practice, Ziegler said he’s adjusting quite well. There’s a few nuances here and there still to grasp, but all-in-all it’s been a smooth transition.

“It’s definitely different. You don’t have all the free space so you’ve gotta be — adjust your feet, be quicker in the box. But I think I’ve adjusted to it great,” Ziegler said.

He added that defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Al Golden has been integral in learning and honing his abilities at the MIKE spot. Same goes for graduate assistant Max Bullough, the former NFL and Michigan State linebacker who joined the staff ahead of the spring.

Along with those two coaches, Ziegler has benefitting from learning from some older players, too.

“All the coaches, coach Golden, coach Max, a lot of the older guys are helping me a lot. I think it’s been pretty smooth,” Ziegler said.

Ziegler also talked about his growing relationship with Golden.

Golden has plenty of experience at both the collegiate and professional levels, and Ziegler said he’s always learning new things about the linebacker position from his coordinator.

“It’s definitely grown,” Ziegler said of the bond with Golden. “He knows all about the game. I’m learning things from him every day. He’s a pro level coach. I’ve just got to take everything day by day that he’s coaching me about and just implement it out in the field.”

This year marks the first time since 2020 that Notre Dame’s linebackers coach has been around for multiple years. Clark Lea held the role from 2017-20 before leaving to become the head coach at Vanderbilt, and Freeman took over for him in 2021. After his promotion to head coach in wake of Brian Kelly’s departure, Golden came in to take the role, meaning the linebackers had three position coaches in three years.

As a true freshman, Ziegler appeared in just one game for Notre Dame. It was during a 44-0 win over Boston College and his lone stat was an assistant tackle.

But now, after spending his freshman season learning the ropes and building familiarity with the scheme that Golden, Marcus Freeman and the Irish will run, Ziegler is ready to seize on a chance to be the MIKE in the Notre Dame defense.